What Engine Does McLaren Use in F1?

For the current Formula 1 season and through 2025, McLaren runs power units from Mercedes-Benz.

Recent cars, including the MCL36, use the Mercedes-AMG F1 M13 E Performance 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid. This deal brings back a proven pairing for the Woking team and links two major names in racing.

This supplier choice is a planned move, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's strong record with V6 turbo hybrid engines. McLaren's deal covers the present and near future through 2025, and a newer agreement extends it to 2030. That gives the team a steady, strong base for its long-term F1 goals.

Who Makes the Current McLaren F1 Engine?

McLaren's engines come from Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP). This unit of Mercedes-Benz builds advanced hybrid F1 power units to meet strict racing rules. All Mercedes-AMG F1 powertrains are produced at HPP's site in Brixworth, UK.

McLaren and Mercedes-Benz share a long history with many highs. Today Mercedes supplies engines to several teams, including its works team, Williams, and Aston Martin. The link with McLaren remains strong, built on shared goals and a focus on speed and reliability.

What Is the Technical Specification of McLaren's F1 Engine?

The Mercedes-AMG F1 M13 E Performance in McLaren's cars is built to meet modern F1 hybrid rules. It is a 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid that revs to 15,000 RPM. It delivers power and efficiency through a smart mix of combustion and electric systems.

Main parts of the power unit:

• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): 1.6-litre V6, 90-degree layout, 24 valves
• Turbocharger (TC): single-stage compressor and exhaust turbine on a common shaft
• MGU-K: recovers kinetic energy; up to 2 MJ per lap recovery and 4 MJ per lap deployment; max 50,000 rpm
• MGU-H: linked to the turbo; unlimited energy recovery and deployment; max 125,000 rpm
• Energy Store (ES): Lithium-Ion battery; up to 4 MJ per lap storage
• Control Electronics (CE)

Engine Type: 1.6-litre V6 Turbo Hybrid

Cylinder Angle: 90 degrees

Max RPM: 15,000 RPM

MGU-K Recovery: Up to 2 MJ/lap

MGU-K Deployment: Up to 4 MJ/lap

MGU-H RPM: Up to 125,000 RPM

Energy Store: Up to 4 MJ/lap

Min. PU Weight: 151 kg

Injection Pressure: Up to 500 bar

The ICE uses high-pressure direct injection at up to 500 bar with one injector per cylinder. The exhaust turbine can spin at 125,000 rpm. The ERS combines the crankshaft-linked MGU-K and the turbo-linked MGU-H. The power unit must meet the F1 minimum weight of 151 kg and fuel flow limits.

How Has McLaren's F1 Engine Supplier Changed Over Time?

McLaren has worked with many engine suppliers across its F1 history, and these choices often shaped its results. Over time, changes in rules, technology, and partners played a big part in the team's success.

McLaren is one of F1's most successful teams, with 189 wins, nine Constructors' titles, and 12 Drivers' titles. Those results came with help from different engine makers, showing McLaren's ability to adapt and keep pushing for wins.

1968-1982: Ford-Cosworth DFV Era

McLaren rose with the Ford-Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve), a key engine of the time for many teams. In 1974, Emerson Fittipaldi won the drivers' title and McLaren took the constructors' title with Ford power. James Hunt won the 1976 drivers' title by a tight margin, again with a Ford engine.

This period helped build McLaren's standing in F1 and showed how a strong, reliable engine can shape results. The DFV defined an era, and McLaren used it to great effect.

1983-1992: TAG-Porsche and Honda Dominance

In the mid-1980s, McLaren partnered with TAG, which had Porsche build the engines. The setup worked well: Niki Lauda won the 1984 drivers' title, and Alain Prost followed in 1985 and 1986. The TAG-Porsche package also delivered big in the constructors' fight.

From 1988 to 1991, McLaren's Honda phase was even stronger. With Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, the team swept four straight constructors' and drivers' title doubles. Senna took three of those drivers' crowns and Prost one, making this run one of F1's most famous.

1993-1994: Ford, Lamborghini, and Peugeot

After Honda, McLaren switched brands several times. The team returned to Ford in 1993, tried Lamborghini in 1994, and then used Peugeot. This was a short stopgap while searching for the next long-term partner. Some promise showed, but no full title fight came from these switches.

1995-2014: Mercedes Partnership

In 1995, McLaren teamed up with Mercedes-Benz, starting a long and successful run. For much of this time, Mercedes focused its F1 engine work on McLaren, showing how strong the link was.

McLaren-Mercedes won big with Mika Häkkinen's back-to-back drivers' titles in 1998 and 1999, and Lewis Hamilton's first championship in 2008. Across two decades, Mercedes power helped McLaren take three Drivers' titles, one Constructors' title, and 78 race wins. Mercedes also powered the first hybrid-era race win using KERS at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, highlighting its technical strength.

2015-2017: Honda Return

McLaren returned to Honda in 2015, hoping to repeat past success. It was tough. The engines lacked performance and reliability, and the team ran mid-pack. No titles came from this period, which showed how hard F1 engine development can be and how much is at stake with a supplier choice.

2018-2020: Renault Power Units

After Honda, McLaren moved to Renault for 2018. The aim was a steadier, more competitive package. Reliability and performance improved, but the team still chased the front-runners while rebuilding its form.

2021-Present: Back to Mercedes Engines

To climb back toward title fights, McLaren rejoined Mercedes power in 2021. The move paid off fast: the team won the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, the latest victory by a customer team. Since then, McLaren has scored regular podiums and strong pace. The fresh deal now runs to 2030, locking in a long-term plan with Mercedes power.

Why Doesn't McLaren Build Its Own F1 Engines?

People often ask why McLaren does not build its own modern F1 engines. The main reason is cost. Creating a front-running power unit today needs huge spending that even big performance brands may find hard to justify.

Modern F1 engines are complex hybrid systems mixing combustion with advanced electrical parts. Building them needs major R&D budgets, special facilities, and large teams of skilled engineers. Global car makers like Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Renault, and Ferrari can fund this and also use the tech in road cars.

For McLaren, buying engines means it can focus money and people on the chassis, aerodynamics, and racing - areas where the team has been historically strong.

What Does the Mercedes Engine Mean for McLaren's F1 Performance?

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Switching back to Mercedes power in 2021 helped McLaren move up the grid. The engine brings proven pace, advanced hybrid tech, and a base of shared experience that fits well with McLaren's car.

Many see the Mercedes unit as one of the best, and pairing it with McLaren's chassis has lifted performance.

Results like the 2021 Italian Grand Prix win and many podiums show how well this setup works. With strong power and reliability, McLaren can fight near the front. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri can push harder for big results.

Power Output and Hybrid System

The Mercedes-AMG F1 M13 E Performance is a V6 turbo hybrid known for high power and strong efficiency. A powerful combustion engine works with an energy recovery system (ERS) to add electric boost and charge on the move.

With a 15,000 RPM limit, high-pressure direct injection, and an efficient turbo, the car accelerates hard and reaches strong top speeds.

The ERS includes:

• MGU-K: captures energy under braking and can deploy it for extra power
• MGU-H: captures heat energy from the exhaust and manages turbo speed

Energy goes into a high-capacity battery and is released when the driver needs it for passes or defense. Good power plus smart energy use makes McLaren quick at both high-speed tracks and tighter circuits.

Reliability and Competitive Impact

Reliability matters a lot in F1. Engine trouble can end a race and bring grid penalties. Mercedes has a strong record for reliable units, which helps McLaren run hard without constant fear of failures - a big change from the tougher Honda years.

With a high-grade engine, McLaren can design a bolder, more efficient chassis, confident the power unit will cope. A long deal running to 2030 lets the team plan car designs around known engine traits, building a more complete package. Close day-to-day work with Mercedes-AMG HPP helps McLaren get the most from the car.

What Engine Will McLaren Use for Future F1 Seasons?

F1 engine rules keep moving forward, and McLaren has already set its supply plans for the next few years, including the big rule change in 2026.

Current Power Unit Agreements

McLaren's agreement with Mercedes-Benz runs through the 2025 season. Signed in 2020 for four years, it gives the team certainty under the current rules. The Mercedes-AMG M13 E Performance 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid remains the core of McLaren's car in the near term.

This deal works for both sides: McLaren gets a proven engine, and Mercedes strengthens its role as a leading supplier. Since 2021, results have improved, helping McLaren climb the constructors' table.

Expected Engine Supplier Changes for 2026 and Beyond

F1 will bring in a new power unit formula in 2026, changing how engines are built and used. McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have already renewed their deal to 2030, making McLaren an early customer for the 2026 Mercedes-AMG unit alongside the works team.

The 2026 power units will split output roughly 50% from the engine and 50% from electric power, with a target of over 1000 hp. They will run on 100% sustainable fuel.

The electric side will be much more powerful, using a single 350 kW motor - nearly three times the current MGU-K output - and will need a high-performance battery system.

Mercedes-AMG HPP began work on these units in mid-2022 under the cost cap. This long-term plan gives McLaren a steady, cutting-edge supply for the new rules era.