It was not too long ago when Zak Brown came down heavily on Red Bull for their 2021 cost cap breach. The comments drove a wedge between the McLaren CEO and RB’s team principal, Christian Horner. However, as they say, success trumps all. And boy has Red Bull’s 2022 success put every other dominant campaign to shame. Resultantly, staunch critic Brown has been forced to change his narrative, looking to get some much-needed help to overturn the dwindling fate of his team. The move, however, hasn’t gone down too well with the fans of the papaya team.
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Even before the FIA released its report on Red Bull’s 2021 cost cap breach, the F1 world was filled with rumors of their overspending. While fans of other teams took digs at the Austrian team, team bosses did not hold back either. Among them was Zak Brown, who downright accused them of “cheating”. He later refused to take his words back which many felt were too harsh, and stood his ground.
McLaren fans slam the move as Zak Brown visits Red Bull Powertrains facility
Despite being a renowned supercar manufacturer, McLaren buys their power units in F1 from outside. Currently, it’s Mercedes that provides them with their PUs, a deal that will see them continue using them for another 3 years. However, F1, in furtherance of its commitment to the environment, has decided to make an overhaul in the engine department. Starting in 2026, F1 cars will sport engines that will extract a lot more power from the batteries and lesser from fuel. That has got teams scrambling to sign partnerships beginning with one between the Milton-Keynes-based team and Ford.
It was earlier reported that Zak Brown had visited Red Bull’s powertrain facility but no media outlet was certain of the development. However, as per Independent UK’s report, an RB insider has confirmed the rumors now.
Have a look at how fans reacted to the development.
This has been the lowest point for McLaren organization team as a whole, it’s funny and also sad they possibility might use Red Bull powertrain engine. A super car builder asking for a help from a energy drink company.
McLaren exploring possible Red Bull engine deal. RB has confirmed that Zak Brown visited Red Bull Powertrains earlier this month. #F1 independent.co.uk/f1/red-bull-mc…
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This makes me a little sad. Going from insisting that a works engine was needed to a RBPT customer would be quite some come down for McLaren. Sounds like the wrong strategic move to me. Far better going back to Honda or sticking with Mercedes, imo... #F1 independent.co.uk/f1/red-bull-mc…
Being a car manufacturer, fans expected McLaren to be the one developing their own powertrains, however, it has gone the other way around with RB partnering up with Honda and making their own engines.
As the news of Brown’s visit to the RB facility came in, rumors began to fly about Lando Norris‘ possible move to partner up with Max Verstappen.
What if this is part of a possible trade deal. Lando to red bull a season early and in return mclaren get a bit of cash plus an engine deal.
Seems like the Rumors of Mercedes reducing their Customer Teams is maybe True…McLaren are Engine Shopping, that’s why Honda was brought up as well…
One user felt that if Ron Dennis was still at the helm of the Papaya team, he never would have allowed this to happen.
Ron Dennis would never have allowed this travesty. What has happened to McLaren FFS...
👀 As RacingNews365 previously reported, McLaren are said to be considering a shock #F1 engine deal with Red Bull. ⬇️ Zak Brown has toured the RBPT facilities in Milton Keynes. #F1News #F12023 #McLaren #RedBull buff.ly/3Y8kE2d
At least there was one fan who was excited about the possibility of witnessing this partnership unfold.
This would be WILD, their car does kinda look like a bull
McLaren are considering a shock engine partnership with Red Bull McLaren chief executive Zak Brown visited Red Bull Powertrains earlier this month to explore a potential deal. A Red Bull spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that Brown has been at their factory. #F1
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What do you think about McLaren possibly striking a deal with the reigning champions to use their engines in the future? Is it a step backward or a step in the right direction?