Boullier doesn't rule out McLaren-Honda divorce
- Published on 24 May 2017 11:55
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- By: Fergal Walsh
McLaren racing director Eric Boullier has not ruled out the possibility that McLaren and Honda could split fro each other. The relationship between the two is at maximum strain after Honda has failed to produce a competitive and reliable engine after three years of racing in F1.
Honda reunited with McLaren in 2015 in what was a dismal year for the team. 2016 was better and seemed to be setting foundations for a surge up the order in 2017. However, McLaren now sits bottom of the constructor standings with 0 points after five races.
"The problem is that we do not just buy an engine," said team boss Boullier. "Honda started with a clean sheet, with new regulations, and with Honda's good reputation. But we had no guarantee about the final product, because you can't forget that we do not pay for these engines," he added.
Boullier says that he is keeping a lawyer in mind to settle the divorce, but says before it comes to that, they will attempt to rectify the relationship and sort out the problems.
"Before we go to the lawyer, we are in the intermediate zone, trying to find solutions," Boullier said. "I'm spending my time between England and Japan trying to influence them, but it's difficult.
"It is already hard for a European to understand them, but for a European from racing, it is extremely hard. Their approach to F1 is: when everyone else goes to the right, we go to the left. It's extraordinary but it seems to work in the end because Japan is still a great world power.
"But today it's about timing. They're going to get there, but instead of three years as you'd expect it could be six or seven years, and in the meantime you have to survive. As long as we progress it's ok, but then we backtracked so it became more complicated to motivate and to convince ourselves that we will get there," he added.
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (3)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
It's a tricky situation alright..
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It should at the very least be an option. I am very mixed on what I feel about a split between the two. A clear problem is: who will supply them? Mercedes isnt an option anymore, and even if they were, Lauda would veto the heck out of that deal. Renault isnt interested in supplying more than 3 teams, that is something they have stated pretty clearly. That leaves Ferrari, and Im not too sure if Ferrari would like to supply tools to one of their archrivals. Or they could lure in yet another engine supplier into the mix, but that is unlikely: I cant imagine they'd go through the tedium of having to endure the first baby steps one more time. They are far too desperate for results.
RogerF1
Posts: 501
I think that about sums it up. I can't see any option but to continue and tough it out. Realistically either the engine builders or other teams won't want to undermine their position.