Could McLaren follow Red Bull’s path with its own F1 engine – and should it?

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has acknowledged that 2026 is the first season the team has felt the disadvantages of being a customer engine team in Formula 1, using Mercedes power units. The situation has prompted discussion about whether McLaren should pursue an in-house engine project similar to Red Bull's development of its own power unit. The debate is further complicated by questions over whether such a project would even be necessary under F1's upcoming 2027 regulatory framework.