McLaren considering manufacturer works tie-up for 2026 · RaceFans

In brief

McLaren considering manufacturer works tie-up for 2026

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says the team are still considering whether to team up with a power unit manufacture as a works partner in 2026.

The FIA has confirmed six power unit manufacturers intend to make power units for the new Formula in 2026: Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, Renault (Alpine), Audi and Honda. Asked by RaceFans whether McLaren hope to become partners with one of the manufacturers or continue as a customer like they remain currently with Mercedes, Brown said it is something the team will consider over the years ahead.

“We’re very happy with Mercedes,” Brown said. “We have some time to decide what we want to do in ’26 and beyond.

“I think it’s exciting for Formula 1 that you have as many manufacturers coming into the sport. I think that shows the growth and excitement for the sport. So it’s something that Andrea [Stella, team principal] and I are in the process of slowly reviewing. We’re not in a big rush and we are very happy with Mercedes. So we’ll see how things play out over the next year or so before we need to make a decision.”

Piastri told not to underestimate F1 by manager Webber

Oscar Piastri says he’s been told by his manager, former F1 driver and grand prix winner Mark Webber, not to underestimate the challenge of racing in F1.

Piastri embarks on his rookie season with McLaren this year after not racing in 2022. He says Webber and his partner Ann Neal have helped him prepare for his debut year.

“There’s been a lot of advice from both Mark and Ann,” Piastri said. “I think to sum it up, I guess not underestimating the challenge of Formula 1.

“It’s obviously a big step up from what I’ve raced previously and also it’s a different dynamic. It’s my first year getting paid to drive race cars, which is pretty cool. So that’s a different dynamic to what I’m used to. And obviously there’s a lot more people in the team. We’ve got about 700 or 800 people here at McLaren as opposed to the 30 that I had in F2 So it’s a lot of different things this year. It’s the pinnacle of the sport. So just being prepared and preparation has been the number one piece of advice.”

Driving Maggotts, Becketts in F1 car “next level” – Sargeant

Williams rookie driver Logan Sargeant was…