Why McLaren weren't interested in Ferrari engine deal

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has explained that his company and Ferrari's rivalry in road car sales played a role in the Formula 1 team opting not to pursue the Scuderia as a potential engine provider in F1.

Ahead of the Russian GP, McLaren confirmed they will return to Mercedes' supply from 2021.

McLaren and Mercedes were partners from 1995 to 2014, with three drivers' titles, a constructors' championship and 78 of the team's 182 grand prix victories delivered in that time.

Having taken supply from Honda and Renault in the time since, McLaren have failed to recapture their former glories and have sought another change.

Despite Ferrari's engine being the benchmark in 2019 in terms of power, Brown says Mercedes' works team seemingly unshakeable success was of more interest to him.

"In Formula 1 you have to look at a longer period of time other than a handful of races," Brown said.

"Obviously the Ferrari engine seems extremely strong at the moment but if you look at the commitment of Mercedes Benz, where they have been, and as a racing team, it is a great yardstick.

"We've not considered Ferrari. I also think it's a clear brand clash with our McLaren road car business. From making engines, fiscally it's nothing that makes sense for us.

"I think you need to be a significantly bigger OEM that can warrant the spend to justify the exposure it creates for a greater number of car sales.

"It clearly does make sense for a Mercedes, Renault, Honda, but doesn't make sense for a McLaren with the volume of cars that we sell."

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