Horner confirms RBPT engine talks with McLaren

Christian Horner confirmed that he had met with McLaren boss Zak Brown to discuss a potential engine supply deal between Red bull Powertrains and the Woking-based outfit.

Last month, Brown revealed that he was "slowly reviewing" McLaren engine options for 2026, when F1 introduces its new power unit regulations.

So far, six manufacturers - Mercedes, Ferrari, Alpine, Honda and future new suppliers Red Bull Ford and Audi - have registered with the FIA as F1 power unit manufacturers for 2026.

Read also: McLaren 'slowly reviewing' engine options for 2026 - Brown

Although Brown said that McLaren was quite happy with its current partnership with Mercedes, he has put the topic of F1's next generation power unit on the team's agenda and has started to sound out potential partners, also admitting to sounding out former partner Honda.

But rumors emerged that Brown had visited Red Bull's campus recently. On Friday in Bahrain, Horner confirmed the McLaren boss's visit to Milton Keynes although he did not offer any insight into the preliminary talks.

©RedBull

"I thought he was coming for lunch!" Horner joked. "It’s obvious as that, as a power unit manufacturer for 2026, it’s inevitable that discussions are going to be held regarding potential powertrain supply.

"That’s only natural that we would speak with potential customers."

McLaren technical director Andrea Stella reiterated that the team enjoys a "solid" working relationship with Mercedes, but that it's only natural to understand "what's available" for the future.

"We have a solid partnership with HPP," said Stella. "At the same time, it’s obvious that looking far forward, you want to understand what's available.

"So, I think that's natural. Shouldn't be too much of a surprise."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.