McLaren could start producing their own engines for future Formula 1 seasons, according to team principal Martin Whitmarsh.
Briton realistic about costs of an F1 engine
McLaren could start producing their own engines for future Formula One campaigns, according to team principal Martin Whitmarsh.
Mercedes are currently powering the Woking-based team, manufacturing a 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 engine for its MP4-12C road-going sports car.
Whitmarsh has hinted his team would like to produce their own engines but concedes that any plans are dependant on financial constraints.
He told
Motor Sport magazine: "We are ruling nothing out, because we are an ambitious team.
Goals
"F1 one is the third largest sporting event in the world and the best environment for brands to differentiate."
"If I'm honest, we have no plans to build more than 4500 [MP4-12C] units per year and, comparing the cost [of producing a F1 engine] with the 4500, then that's probably not the right business model," he admitted.
New regulations will be introduced into F1 in 2013 that will see the introduction of smaller engines with turbochargers, a move that is meant to encourage new, smaller manufacturers to join the sport.
"If it does not do that, one of the main goals of the new regulations will have been missed," added Whitmarsh.
