McLaren Honda again?
Discussion
Whilst the reports are all pretty much identical in terms of wording there are a few places reporting that there are already Honda engineers at McLaren for a future engine supply deal replacing Mercedes. An example is this - http://www.worldcarfans.com/113030354543/honda-eng...
Anyone know anything or think this at all likely?
Anyone know anything or think this at all likely?
I am assuming that only reason they have not already signed with Merc is about how much...
Honda could just be a bargaining stick (and hence why it's kind of out there in the press...)
that said, at the moment we are only looking at 3 engines in 2014, F1 could do with more.... (unless you want to turn F1 into just another single make formula?)
Honda could just be a bargaining stick (and hence why it's kind of out there in the press...)
that said, at the moment we are only looking at 3 engines in 2014, F1 could do with more.... (unless you want to turn F1 into just another single make formula?)
andyps said:
Whilst the reports are all pretty much identical in terms of wording there are a few places reporting that there are already Honda engineers at McLaren for a future engine supply deal replacing Mercedes. An example is this - http://www.worldcarfans.com/113030354543/honda-eng...
Anyone know anything or think this at all likely?
I said this months ago and was greeted with derision from many - I'll see if I can find my post.Anyone know anything or think this at all likely?
rlw said:
I said this months ago and was greeted with derision from many - I'll see if I can find my post.
I thought it had been discussed before but couldn't see a recent discussion. It makes a lot of sense, just not sure if Honda would be ready to commit again, and certainly maybe not in time for 2014 unless they have already done a lot of work behind the scenes.
If this is true then this (along with the brain drain, rubbish management, error ridden tactics/people) really is the decline of McLaren as a top F1 team. Although Honda have a good record at building engines the jump to F1 is massive and their 2015 effort will probably be more akin to what you see the backmarkers running.
Is the switch from Mercedes simply to do with they cant afford the engines? Lets be honest in terms of income the roadcar division isn't exactly setting the world on fire (possibly running at a loss), they've lost the factory status with Mercedes and they've lost Lewis and his ability to generate sponsors?
Are they skinted?
Is the switch from Mercedes simply to do with they cant afford the engines? Lets be honest in terms of income the roadcar division isn't exactly setting the world on fire (possibly running at a loss), they've lost the factory status with Mercedes and they've lost Lewis and his ability to generate sponsors?
Are they skinted?
It is important to remember that building a powerful 1.6 turbo engine is not much of a technical achievement, these days.
The important technologies for racing are the power-off turbo spinning and the super powerful KERS and it's batteries, (which eventually needs to be able to sustain the car during pit stops).
It is those technologies and resultant fuel consumption that will have a direct impact on future road cars.
So It is hardly surprising that other manufactures will want to jump onboard once all the pitfalls are known, a free supply of engines will be a big draw to any team, and McLaren or Red Bull would be the first doors that you would knock on.
The important technologies for racing are the power-off turbo spinning and the super powerful KERS and it's batteries, (which eventually needs to be able to sustain the car during pit stops).
It is those technologies and resultant fuel consumption that will have a direct impact on future road cars.
So It is hardly surprising that other manufactures will want to jump onboard once all the pitfalls are known, a free supply of engines will be a big draw to any team, and McLaren or Red Bull would be the first doors that you would knock on.
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