Honda will be back on the Formula One grid in 2015, rejoining the McLaren squad in an attempt to repeat their dominant form from 1988 to 1992.
The Japanese automaker pulled out of the sport in 2008 after the Global crisis forced the company to cost cuts, but the new 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine regulation in 2014 was too enticing to resist.
Noted for explosive power in small packages, Honda’s previous F1 venture with the Woking-based team saw them achieve four drivers and four constructors world championships with its 1.5-litre turbo V6. In just 80 grands prix, McLaren won 44 times, set 53 pole positions, and 30 fastest laps. The McLaren MP4/4 was most noted for this success, as the superstar duo of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna drove the car to victory in 15 of the seasons 16 grands prix in 1988.
The news comes during McLaren’s 50th anniversary, and while the team is still under contract with Mercedes when the new engine rules take affect next year, McLaren’s Team Principal and CEO Martin Whitmarsh was elated with the news.
“It’s fantastic news for everyone who loves Formula 1 to be able to welcome Honda back to Formula 1,” he said.
“Like McLaren, Honda is a company with motor racing woven into the fabric of its heritage. We’re proud and thrilled to be joining forces once more to take on the world in Formula 1. Whilst both companies are fully aware that we’re embarking on a very demanding journey together, we’re hugely committed to the success of the partnership, and we'll spend the next 18 months working together to ensure that we’re fully established and competitive ahead of our first grand prix together in 2015.
“The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula 1, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders. But it’s a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take McLaren-Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula 1 success. Together we have a great legacy – and we’re utterly committed to maintaining it.”
Honda has yet to announce further partnerships with other teams for 2015, but the successful engine maker will undoubtedly draw customers using existing Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault power plants.
Photos: LAT
