Günther Steiner believes it is time for McLaren to develop its own F1 engines. The papayas won the last two constructors’ titles with a Mercedes power unit but often lagged behind in the new era. During the Belgian GP, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have the latest engine from the factory in Brixworth, after McLaren previously struggled with the reliability of the package. Time for their own engine, Steiner judges.
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The reigning champions face a significant gap compared to Mercedes. While the Silberpfeile won seven of the first nine Grands Prix, McLaren had to settle for only occasional podium finishes. Although the chassis of the new MCL40 also falls short in several areas, the team has repeatedly hinted that it cannot fully understand the Mercedes engine. “Making good use of the power unit is particularly important,” responded Andrea Stella. “Honestly, I think we still can’t get everything out of the Mercedes package.”
Plenty of money for own F1 engine
Günther Steiner is not convinced. In the Red Flags podcast, he explained why McLaren should actually focus on developing their own power unit. “They (McLaren, ed.) are a car manufacturer; they should build their own engine,” he responded firmly. “Whenever something goes wrong, they always say: ‘Oh, the engine, we don’t get the same engine as Mercedes.’ Before that, they had problems with Renault and before that with Honda. There is always something. At some point, you have to grow up. Besides, they have plenty of money.”
“Zak (Brown, ed.) knows how to market his team very well and closes many sponsorship deals,” Steiner explained. “Use that income to build your own engine, instead of putting that income in the bank. That would send a clear signal. Commercially, it would also be beneficial for their road cars; they just have to do it.” Within the current model range, McLaren already works with V6 engines and hybrid technology.
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Following Red Bull and Audi
Steiner acknowledges that it is a huge leap to become a factory team in Formula 1, but recent examples show that it is not impossible. “Red Bull has done it, and they are doing quite well,” noted the former team boss. “And Audi has also taken that step. They are also a car manufacturer; they don’t want to buy a Ferrari engine, they want to stand on their own feet and be taken seriously by the competition. It’s not easy to make an engine, but I think the first hurdle is money and then the people – as is the case in any company. At some point, especially when you are dissatisfied with the current situation, you have to take matters into your own hands.”
During a visit to the Indy 500, Zak Brown was already asked if McLaren saw possibilities for their own F1 engine. “If it becomes financially feasible and the technology appeals to us, we would certainly consider it,” the American responded. “That said, we are extremely satisfied with Mercedes,” he immediately added. “So yes, if something is presented to us that is financially sensible in the first place, then we will definitely look at it.”
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