15/09/2017
NEWS STORY
McLaren and Honda confirm they will discontinue their partnership at the end of 2017 by mutual consent.
An official statement issued shortly after FP1 today reads:
"The McLaren Honda Formula 1 team will continue to compete for the remainder of the 2017 FIA Formula One Constructors' and Drivers' World Championships.
Both Honda and McLaren will confirm their future plans in the sport in the near future.
Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, McLaren Group Executive Chairman and Executive Committee principal, commented: "Honda is a great company which, like McLaren, is in Formula 1 to win. Although our partnership has not produced the desired success, that does not diminish the great history our two companies have enjoyed together, nor our continued efforts to achieve success in Formula 1. At this point in time, it is in the best interests of both companies that we pursue our racing ambitions separately."
Takahiro Hachigo, President & Representative Director of Honda Motor Co. Ltd, commented: "It is unfortunate that we must part ways with McLaren before fulfilling our ambitions, however, we made the decision with a belief that this is the best course of action for each other's future. On behalf of Honda, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to fans who have been very supportive of the team as well as the drivers, team members and everyone involved who shared with us in the joys and disappointments since we began preparing for our return to F1 in 2015. Honda will continue the fight together with McLaren all the way to the end of the 2017 season, and then continue its F1 racing activities in 2018 and beyond."
Zak Brown, Executive Director, McLaren Technology Group, said: "There has never been any doubt over Honda's commitment and energy to the mission of success in Formula 1. They are proven winners and innovators. For a combination of reasons our partnership has not flourished as any of us would have wished. It is certainly not for the want of effort on the part of either Honda or McLaren, but the time has come to move ahead in different directions. As fellow racers, we hope to see the great name of Honda get back to the top - our sport is better for their involvement. I know this view is shared by everyone in the sport."
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