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Two F1 pundits have played down reports McLaren could be about to sensationally dump Honda. Given the great British team's disastrous start to its third season with the Japanese marque, rumours swept the Melbourne paddock that talks between McLaren and Mercedes have now begun.
McLaren didn't deny it, and team boss Eric Boullier sounded pessimistic that Honda can fix the situation. "When are we going to have a good engine? I don't know," the Belgian daily La Derniere Heure quoted him saying. "Honda still has to invent it," Boullier added.
"That they are not happy is quite clear," former F1 driver Christian Klien told Austrian broadcaster Servus TV. "But this is something they need to solve, because I do not believe they will find a new partner so quickly. There are also contracts that are very important," he added.
Another former driver turned F1 pundit, Christian Danner, agrees. "While very complicated with these power units, changing engine supplier is technically possible," he told German broadcaster RTL, "but it would be almost an act of violence." (GMM)
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Replies (4)
Login to replymclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
["Honda still has to invent it," Boullier added]
Breakup confirmed, it is incoming. you just don't say such things if the partnership is serious for the future.
This is a done deal if that quote really did come from Eric.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It did, but then again he has said similar things earlier, and its still not as bad as what Marko and his clowns said about Renault, and look at them now, being all cuddly and loveydovey now that the Renault PU is decent. What we hear doesnt generally tend to add up to the reality in the paddock, IMO, but I think a split is realistic if they end up below top 6 this year.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
In RBR's case they opened their loud mouths well BEFORE Mercedes could even assure them a supply. When RBR realized that's not possible they had to go back on their words and eat crow. Not the case with Mclaren because Mclaren have contacted Mercedes first whilst still toeing the line of "full commitment to sort it out with Honda". Mclaren knows the language of Bullsh!ttery rather well, one thing they are still good at.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Well, define good, but yes, they will no doubt be more careful if they will attempt a similar move as the one Red Bull tried.