McLaren still in deal with Red Bull and Ford? 'Don't think I get to visit them'
F1 News
It still seems a long time away, but there are already rumours about which team will drive which power unit after 2030. Mark Rushbrook, the managing director of Ford Motorsports, has in fact hinted that McLaren is interested in partnering with the US manufacturer. In that case, McLaren would start using the Red Bull Powertrain, which the Austrians are introducing in collaboration with Ford in '26.
Ford is making its return to Formula 1, although the Americans' role is fairly limited. It is mainly Red Bull that will try to continue its current successes in the sport with a self-developed power unit. The sister team Visa Cash App RB will also use the Red Bull Powertrains-Ford. At least for the short term, Red Bull have no intention of facilitating a third team.
Zak Brown, McLaren's CEO, stated at Silverstone - despite hints from Rushbrook - that there is no mention of an upcoming deal with Red Bull and Ford. "Jim Farley is a historic racing friend. We went and visited Red Bull before we made the decision to go with Mercedes. I'm not sure I'd be allowed to visit there anytime soon. We're extremely happy with Mercedes and aren't giving any thought to anything beyond our next contract. We've got a contract with Mercedes, which takes us through 2030."
McLaren has no Plan B
Brown therefore says there is no Plan B, in case the next contract period with Mercedes is less successful than hoped. How the proportions in Formula 1 will be from '26 onwards remains to be seen, as there will be completely new engine regulations.