McLaren remains committed to Mercedes
Rumors have announced a possible return of the famous McLaren/Honda duo starting in 2014, but Jonathan Neale, one of the officials of the British team, insisted on denying this rumor today.
The engine contract between McLaren and Mercedes would end at the end of 2012. The British team would receive free engines in exchange for including the Mercedes name in the team’s name: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. A German magazine thought it had a scoop by announcing Honda’s return to McLaren this weekend, following statements from a source within the Japanese engine manufacturer.
With a change in engine from 2014, switching from a V8 to a V6 turbo, McLaren might be tempted to change their engine block. However, Neale revealed in a press conference held today that the team based in Woking was committed to Mercedes-Benz and hoped that this partnership would continue in the coming years – with just as much success.
«(These rumors) are very far off the mark. We are delighted with our partnership with Mercedes-Benz. We aren’t quite sure where this story came from, to be honest. But I can deny the rumor and say that we are fully focused on our relationship with Mercedes-Benz. This has led to many victories and championships, and may it continue, » Neale stated.
