Williams has denied rumoured that it is set to reunite with Honda, allowing McLaren an easy route to securing an engine deal with Mercedes. McLaren has been deeply unhappy with Honda for some time now due to the Japanese outfit's slow and unreliable engine.
While that partnership looks on the verge of divorce, Williams was rumoured to be interested in Honda engines which would be cheaper than its current Mercedes unit. However, deputy team principal Claire Williams denied the rumours.
"We had a fantastic relationship with them back in the 1980s, but I can categorically say that we have not talked to Honda," she told TalkSPORT2 radio. "We are not here ready with a press release saying we are joining forces with them in 2018. We haven't talked to them," she added.
"We all know that Honda does put a huge amount of money at McLaren but when I weigh up the pros and cons, would I rather have the budget we have and be the fourth quickest car or have a huge amount of money and finish P9 (ninth) again?"
Honda previously supplied Williams with engines from 1983 to 1987. In that time, the team took 19 pole positions, 23 race wins, 2 constructor championships (1986, 1987) and 1 driver championship (1987).
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (2)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Good, wouldn't be the smartest deal
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
They will deny it until the very final millionth of a second before the announcement, assuming it would happen. And I doubt this will happen.