McLaren Release New Engine Sound For 2026 F1 Season as Fans Left Divided

Reigning champions McLaren have unveiled their engine sound for the upcoming 2026 F1 season - and fans have been left divided.

A raft of regulation changes are to be introduced for 2026, with most of the significant alterations relating to aerodynamics and power units.

Power units will now use 100 per cent sustainable fuels, with the MGU-H unit removed and the MGU-K unit possessing three times more battery power.

An overtake button - similar to the 'push to pass' button used in IndyCar - can be activated to give drivers more straight line speed for as long as it is active.

Like the DRS system, which has been removed, the drivers will have more power if they are within one second of the car ahead after passing a certain detection point.

Battery recharging will again play a key role in defending and overtaking, with cars able to recharge their batteries on straights or on corner exits.

While the fundamental engine - a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 - remains in place, the regulation changes means that they will sound different in 2026.

Several F1 power unit suppliers, including Honda and Mercedes, have already revealed how their engines will sound.

Now, McLaren have unveiled how the Mercedes power unit will sound on their car during the 2026 season.

You're going to want your volume turned up for this 🔊🆙 pic.twitter.com/T31PAxIQsy

— McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team 🧡 (@McLarenF1) January 19, 2026

Reacting to the footage posted on social media, one fan wrote: "Wake me when you've got V12's back in action."

A second said: "Sounds really good... triple champs confirmed."

A third wrote: "The weak a** sounds of these modern cars bro."

While a fourth added: "I don't know about you guys but this sounds like a winning car to me!"

McLaren will look to defend their Constructors' Championship in 2026, while Lando Norris will hope to have a car quick enough to defend his maiden Drivers' Championship crown.