What Engine Does McLaren Use in Formula 1?

Formula 1 has recently overhauled its requirements. For one, all engines must be hybrid and use sustainable fuels. Since Mercedes-Benz dominates the V6 Twin Turbo hybrid engine manufacturing, McLaren has signed a deal with Mercedes-Benz, which will make McLaren F1 engines through 2025. But what engine does McLaren use in F1 this year? 

McLaren’s new model, the MCL36, features a Mercedes-AMG® F1 M13 E Performance 1.6 V6 turbocharged hybrid engine with an impressive 15,000 RPM! Read on to take a closer look at who makes McLaren engines and to learn why McLaren doesn’t build their own engines. Then, if you have questions, contact McLaren Palm Beach! 

Who Makes McLaren Engines? 

Mercedes-Benz built engines for McLaren for 20 continuous campaigns, but in 2015, McLaren switched to Honda, and then, to Renault in 2018. That said, the McLaren team is returning to Mercedes-Benz and has signed a 4-year contract in 2020, which is good through 2025. 

As Mercedes-Benz dominates the V6 twin-turbocharged hybrid performance sector, we think this move is exceptionally shrewd. After all, Mercedes-Benz helped McLaren win 3 Driver’s Championships, 1 Constructors’ Championship, and 78 Grands Prixs over their 20-year collaboration. However, in the previous partnership, Mercedes-Benz developed F1 engines exclusively for McLaren. Now, they have multiple clients, but there’s little reason to believe this will dilute the magic of a time-tested collaboration. 

Why Doesn’t McLaren Build Their Own Engine? 

This simply comes down to cost. Boutique high-performance manufacturers like McLaren can’t come up with a tremendous amount of capital to develop F1 engines. In fact, almost all F1 engines are created by massive brands like Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Renault, and Ferrari. 

Have Questions About the McLaren F1 Season? 

Now that you’ve read about who makes McLaren engines, what engines McLarens use in Formula 1, and why McLaren doesn’t build their own engines, if you have further questions, call McLaren Palm Beach at 561-462-1180. We’re more than happy to answer the questions of our neighbors in Boca Raton and Wellington. While you’re here, take a moment to learn about the celebrity owners of the McLaren F1 hypercar and to acquaint you with the 2022 McLaren vehicle lineup!