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McLaren's start to 2017 has begun in the worst possible way, with the team struggling with issues during the first pre-season test at Barcelona this week.
The Woking based outfit were forced to make two engine changes in the first two days and completed the second least amount of laps of anybody, sparking worry amongst McLaren fans who are hoping for a more competitive season.
Aston Martin outlines early hopes for Honda partnership
"It is still early days, said racing director Eric Boullier. "We had slightly higher expectations coming to Barcelona, but then the week didn’t start exactly as we wanted. I think there is a bit more work to be done in Japan to investigate why we had those issues: issues that we absolutely did not expect to have - and for sure neither did Honda."
Boullier still thinks that the team are in a much better place than they were this time last year: "We are in a much better situation. But to be frank, it is not good enough for our expectations and the expectations of our fans - after three years."
When asked why Honda are behind everyone in terms of power and reliability, Boullier puts it down to the Japanese manufacturer being three years behind the other engine suppliers.
"Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari started in 2010 - and all these three started with an existing organization, as all three were already doing F1 engines. In 2013 Honda decided to come back to Formula One and started from scratch: empty buildings!
"They had to buy everything - and find the right people. So to be fair you have manufacturers who had seven years and are still struggling - and Honda started four years after the others. These units are so complicated that you have to be really process driven and go step by step. Unfortunately there is no short cut."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (4)
Login to replymbmwe36
Posts: 533
It would appear that McLaren and Honda are headed for splitsville. If that happens, it'll be interesting to see what's next for McLaren? Personally I'd like to see them team up with BMW. But that is a ridiculous risk to take, teaming up with another "newcomer".
I would probably eat some crow and call Mercedes, if I was in charge of McLaren.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It wont be BMW, they have already confirmed that they are not interested in F1. If its anything new it'd probably be VW, everyone else is busy focusing on FE, Le Mans or something else. Like you say, if there is a split, and I doubt there will be for another year at least, then it'll likely be a return to Mercedes.
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
I wouldn't put too much stock into that. They're not gonna tip their hand just because some random journalist asks if they plan to re-enter F1. If and when that announcement is made, it'll be on their terms.
That being said, I don't think it'll happen, but it'd be nice if it did.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Engines are no easy task but them not being ready in 3 or 4 or 5 years is not F1's problem thats is Honda's own problem. If they cant plan an aggressive schedule they should not venture into F1. Mclaren also have to be blamed for not insisting on more solid progress milestone reports before committing to anything. The onus was on Honda to spend the money and prove with a POC that they were ready. Who knows what Mclaren brass thought off when dealing with Honda again, the incompetence is staggering.