Brown: "Never say never to McLaren-Honda reunion"
- Published on 26 Nov 2017 12:47
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- By: Fergal Walsh
McLaren executive director Zak Brown has admitted that a future reunion between McLaren and Honda is not out of the question. Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the last race the two run together, as McLaren switches to Renault power in 2018.
The disastrous campaign began in 2015, and the team have been left with zero podiums in its three-year partnership. During the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, McLaren confirmed it would divorce Honda, with the Japanese manufacturer confirming that it will supply Toro Rosso next year.
In Abu Dhabi, Brown delivered a speech in which he thanked Honda, and admitted that both should never say never to a future partnership: "They have been great partners, they're great people. We get along really well," he said.
"It's been a very difficult situation for all of us as you know. But we have remained great friends, they're great people. We will miss them. We were with Honda in the late '80s, so never say never. We could be back again together in the future. So Hasegawa-san, I want to thank you for all the effort you've put into our partnership, and everyone back in Japan."
Hasegawa earlier said in a press conference: "It is obvious the current performance is not what we expected. But also we had some good things and bad things. We have to take the good things very positively to motivate us for next year."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im saying if the Honda unit gets good during 2018, there is no way Red Bull will let them toddle back to McLaren.
Barron
Posts: 625
You called that right! It’s game over for Mac/Honda.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Good point. Although, I don't see Honda coming good (e.g. good enough to challenge Mercedes) in 2018 either. Maybe later. I think Toro Rosso will be the slowest car next year given that Sauber will get 2018 Ferrari engines.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
At this rate, anything can happen in 2018. The difference between Honda and Renault were close to negligible these last races, especially since the Renault teams had to turn down their engines more than McLaren. Either way, I dont see Sauber getting more competitive. They just dont have the ability to draw out what they need from even a good PU, they've proven that over and over.