Mclaren Honda divorce confirmed with Renault to supply the team
- Published on 15 Sep 2017 12:38
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- By: Sam Gale
McLaren and Honda have confirmed that they will divorce at the end of the season ending the three year partnership between the two outfits with Renault confirmed to supply McLaren with their engines from next year. It has been a tumultuous partnership between the once dominant partnership from the 1980s when they supplied the team in one of the most dominant efforts ever seen in Formula 1.
It had been the idea at the beginning of the partnership that the only way they could reascend to the top of the sport was by being a works team, with Mercedes no longer an option they felt for competing for championships and the only way forward was with Honda.
But with three years of the team not moving forward and in fact moving backwards at the beginning of the year the divorce has been long coming with Mclaren and especially Fernando Alonso becoming frustrated at the lack of any real sign of improvement from Honda and are now willing to accept Renault even though the likelihood is they will only be capable of similar performance to the Red Bull of the hybrid era.
Zak Brown's reaction to the news, which has surely been in the work for some time was this: "Today’s announcement gives us the stability we need to move ahead with our chassis and technical programme for 2018 without any further hesitation. As an organisation, McLaren has always worked extremely hard to form lasting partnerships with its technical suppliers. We’re convinced that we can bring real value to Renault Sport Racing as we work alongside it to develop this current power unit into a regular race winner.”
The reaction from Renault sports president, Jerome stoll was equally positive, saying this on the new deal: “This is a strategic decision for Renault Sport Racing. It is the first time that Renault will work with McLaren and we are proud to have reached an agreement with an organisation that has such a rich Formula 1 history. This alliance is not only technical and sporting, but also comes with marketing and communication benefits. We know that McLaren will push us hard on track and this competition will be to the benefit of all.”
Takahiro Hachigo, president and representative director of Honda seemed rueful on the split saying: "It is unfortunate that we must part ways with Honda before fulfilling our ambitions, however, we made the decision with a belief that the decision is the best course of action for each other's future.
"On behalf of Honda I would like to express my sincere gratitude to fans who have been very supportive of the team as well as the drivers, team members and everyone involved who shared with us in the joys and disappointments since we began preparing for our return to F1 in 2015. Honda will continue the fight together with Mclaren all the way to the end of the 2017 season, then continue it's F1 racing activities in 2018 and beyond."
Sam Gale
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Replies (7)
Login to replymbmwe36
Posts: 533
The day the music died at McLaren...
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think that day begun far earlier than this. It was pretty much happening ever since 2013, and has since then just gotten worse and worse. I wonder how they will tackle the massive economic losses this deal means for them.
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
Yes and no. Obviously the past three years have been terrible for them. But with this move, I would argue they're ready to settle for mediocrity, instead of striving for excellence. Let's no forget they went from being a works team, to being third in the pecking order with a manufacturer that is only producing a marginally better PU - and at a time where Honda seems to be making some real strides.
If watching F1 for 22 years has taught me anything, it is to always bet against Alonso ;-)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, those three years they sacrificed really seem to be for naught now. If Honda were to outpace Renault next year, and McLaren would be interested in returning, they'd have to pay themselves out of yet another pickle, and Im not sure they can afford it, both in terms of actual cash and in pride. I really wonder where McLaren will be next year, the loss of Honda's sponsor cash along with these expenses will likely impact the quality of next year's car.
To be fair though, I dont think either Honda's or Renault's pace are representative of where they will be next year. This year was a year they were pretty much sacrificing anyway, next year could very well see either of them step it up a bit.
Hehe yeah, the poor guy really cant seem to make good decisions, can he?
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
About time
boudy
Posts: 1,168
It's a good day if you'r a RedBull supporter. Finally a route to a factory engine. I can see that the Honda engine getting better;and I really wonder about an Honda PU in a Toro rosso. Can they close the gap; like RENAULT sort of did in 2015? Looking forward to 2018..
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
So do I. I really hope Honda will sort it out. Its hardly a secret that Im a filthy Honda maniac, but I really want them to succeed.