McLaren agree extension to use Mercedes power until 2030

McLaren have opted for continuity and stability by extending their deal to run Mercedes power units until 2030.

The British team have run Mercedes power since 2021 – and previously between 1995 and 2014 – and already had an arrangement that ran until 2025.

However, with new power unit regulations – with an enhanced focus on electrical power – looming in 2026, McLaren and Mercedes have moved to get a deal done quickly.

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“Mercedes-Benz have been a brilliant and reliable partner of the McLaren Formula 1 team,” said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. “The extension signifies the confidence that our shareholders and the wider team have in their powertrains and the direction we’re taking with them into the new era of regulations ahead.

“We have been successful together, both in the last three seasons and when they previously powered the team, so we look forward to the success to come as we continue our journey to fight consistently at the front of the grid.”

After returning to Mercedes following a disappointing partnership with Honda, followed by three seasons of Renault power, McLaren have since won the 2021 Italian Grand Prix – the most recent win for any customer team in F1.

They have also had 15 podiums in that period, plus pole at the F1 Sprint in Brazil, and pole and a victory in the F1 Sprint in Qatar earlier this year – and they have emerged as the second-fastest team on pure pace behind Red Bull in the second half of this season.

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“We are pleased to confirm a long-term renewal of our power unit deal with Mercedes-Benz into the new era of regulations,” said McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella. “We have great confidence in Mercedes and our relationship with them.

“They’ve supported our journey back to the front of the grid so far, and the security and stability this partnership brings is vital in ensuring we remain on this upward trajectory. I would like to thank them for their collaboration so far and we look forward to the years to come.”

McLaren therefore become Mercedes’ first customer for the new 2026 regulations, alongside the eight-time world champion works team, with the Silver Arrows keen to continue with strong customer teams as they look to become the class-leading power unit in F1.

“It has been a cornerstone of our motorsport strategy to work with strong customer teams,” said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. “This has many advantages. It gives a clear competitive benchmark, accelerates our technical learning, and strengthens the overall F1 business case for Mercedes-Benz.

“McLaren have been fierce and fair competitors since 2021, especially in the second half of this season. McLaren’s strong performances underline the importance of transparent and equal supply to all customer teams in the sport, if we wish to achieve the goal of 10 teams capable of fighting for podium finishes.”