Official: Honda returns to F1 with McLaren from 2015
It was during a press conference held this morning that the Japanese manufacturer officially announced its return to competition starting in 2015.
It was one of the worst-kept secrets in the paddock, but the official announcement had been awaited. It’s now official: Honda will return to Formula 1 from 2015 as the engine supplier for McLaren. This was announced by the manufacturer, through the voice of its CEO – Takanobu Ito – this morning during a press conference in Tokyo. « Honda will take part in a new challenge in a new era for Formula 1, » explains Ito.
After 19 seasons of partnership with Mercedes, McLaren will reform the victorious association with the Japanese brand that allowed them to dominate the championship between 1988 and 1992: McLaren-Honda.
The goal is obviously to regain that past splendor as quickly as possible: « We would like to be victorious as soon as possible, » adds Takanobu Ito.
“I’m thrilled to write a new chapter in our legendary partnership. McLaren and Honda are about to embark on an exciting new era. I am very happy to welcome Honda back to this sport. We want to bring McLaren and Honda back to the top,” stated Martin Whitmarsh.
The team principal of the Woking-based team highlights the qualities of their future engine supplier: « Honda specializes in engine technologies. It is the perfect partner for McLaren. Both of our companies are aware of the challenge we are embarking on. Formula 1 is a tough sport. We are fully committed to winning. We have confidence in our ability to face challenges. Together, McLaren and Honda have a successful history. Together, we created some of the most iconic Formula 1 cars in history. We are determined to maintain this legacy. »
Honda is therefore returning as an engine supplier after trying to establish itself under its own name between 2006 and 2009 without success. However, the manufacturer did not mention supplying engines to a second team as rumors had suggested. The names of Sauber and Lotus were regularly cited as possible candidates for the future Japanese V6.
After the return of the famous Williams-Renault partnership, it is now McLaren-Honda’s turn to reunite, giving a déjà vu feeling to the championship. The two teams indeed competed from 1989 to 1992. During this period, McLaren-Honda claimed three championships in 1989, 1990, and 1991, while Williams-Renault won the constructors’ title in 1992.
