Why is Mercedes cutting down F1 engine customers?

Mercedes aims to potentially improve its own works team's performance and strategic focus by reducing the number of teams they supply with power units for the 2026 season.

Which teams are currently Mercedes F1 engine customers?

As of the 2025 season, Aston Martin, Williams, and McLaren are Mercedes customer teams. Aston Martin will leave in 2026.

Will McLaren still use Mercedes engines in 2026?

No, McLaren is not listed as a Mercedes customer for the 2026 season, following Aston Martin's departure from the Mercedes engine supply.

Home / Sports / Mercedes to Cut F1 Engine Customers Amidst Performance Woes

Mercedes to Cut F1 Engine Customers Amidst Performance Woes

11 Dec

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Summary

Mercedes plans to reduce its F1 engine customer teams for the 2026 season.
This decision comes as Mercedes customer McLaren recently surpassed them.
Alpine will join Mercedes as a customer team in 2026.

Mercedes to Cut F1 Engine Customers Amidst Performance Woes

Mercedes, historically dominant in Formula 1 with its turbo-hybrid power units, is reportedly planning a significant strategic change for the 2026 season by reducing the number of customer teams it supplies. This move comes after a period where their customer team, McLaren, secured Constructors' titles, outperforming the works outfit in recent seasons.

Despite the advantage of being a works team, Mercedes faced challenges, prompting CEO Toto Wolff to suggest a reduction in engine supply. This announcement has sparked fan reactions on social media, with some questioning the decision, especially with Alpine joining as a new customer for 2026. Speculation arises about potential future engine supply dynamics within the grid.

Mercedes acknowledges the fierce competition ahead, particularly with their power unit facing strong rivals. Wolff emphasized that confidence is never guaranteed, highlighting the need to outperform their own customer teams. Rumors suggest that while Honda and Ferrari power units are competitive, Red Bull Ford and Audi are encountering development hurdles.