Despite Nurturing Red Bull-Like Ambitions, McLaren Boss Paints a Gloomy Picture for Lando Norris & Co.: “The Project Is Too Immature”

One would assume an engine is the most essential part of a car. However, in the world of F1, that is not always the case, as it is down to every team’s personal preference. We are not sure how seriously most teams on the grid take their engines. But McLaren, as of now, can’t afford to risk it much to the dismay of Lando Norris and Co. This topic was addressed by the Italian boss when asked about the team’s engine supplier for 2026.

For the 2026 season regulatory changes, only three teams on the grid are without an official engine supplier, McLaren being one of them. Most teams on the grid showcased much haste in locking their engine suppliers for 2026. However, McLaren is not following the herd, but they also can’t pursue their true Red Bull-esque ambitions. In an ideal case scenario, the Papaya team would be self-sufficient. However, as quoted by Formula Passion, Stella believes self-sufficiency might hamper the team’s progress.

“At the moment, if we consider our limitations, they have nothing to do with the power unit,” said Stella. “It would be ideal to be a factory team, but with an established power unit manufacturer. In 2026 we want to be present. We don’t want to say, ‘Okay, now we need two years because the project is too immature.'” (Translated by Google)

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Lando Norris has also pointed out a list of things that the team needs to address first before moving on to newer pastures. Becoming an engine manufacturing team will definitely eat into those efforts. In fact, Stella believes an engine is the least of the team’s concerns at the moment.

McLaren tries and improves their existing source of misery for Lando Norris and Co.

Even with a new factory and wind tunnel, McLaren is far from manufacturing their own powertrains. In fact, that is the least of the team’s concerns. Currently, there are a lot of areas of improvement in the MCL60 and the team back in Woking will tirelessly work on them before the 2026 season.

He explained, “When I think of having to improve from an aerodynamic point of view or of having to improve from a tire point of view, I believe that the role of the power unit, also in terms of layout and construction, is really minimal. So I remain convinced it could be one of the last incremental elements of a differentiator, but I don’t think the engine should be too much of a concern.”

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So with the existing issues in mind, the engine is the least of McLaren’s concerns. However, as time will pass, the team will need to make a decision and hope for a fruitful partnership.