Honda are hoping to learn more about improving engine efficiency, whilst stimulating engineers and employees through their involvement in F1
Honda are hoping to learn more about improving engine efficiency, whilst stimulating engineers and employees through their involvement in F1
It has been revealed that Honda will start producing engines for the McLaren F1 team from the beginning of the 2015 season, replacing Mercedes-Benz. This ends a McLaren and Mercedes-Benz partnership that has been in place since 1995.
The changes to Formula One engine rules by the FIA have been a large contributing factor in Honda’s return to the Formula One fold.
The 2015 Formula One season will see drastic changes to the engine size and performance of cars, with a move from the 2.8 litre V8 engine which is currently used to a 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged unit with improved energy recovery systems.
This isn’t the first time McLaren and Honda have worked together. The McLaren F1 team, powered by Honda engines, were extremely successful in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning 44 Grands Prix and eight world championships in only 5 seasons. This represents one of the most successful partnerships in the history of Formula One.
This is the point that Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited, was keen to emphasise,
“The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula One, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders. Together we have a great legacy – and we’re utterly committed to maintaining it.”
The pending changes to engine rules have prompted Honda to make a return to the Formula One scene. Always striving to improve the efficiency of their car engines, Honda are now hoping to learn more about improving engine efficiency, whilst stimulating engineers and employees through their involvement in the Formula One industry.
“Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1.”
Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Honda Racing F1 Team first competed in Formula One between 1964 and 1968, and most recently between 2006 to 2008 with limited success – 3 race wins and 9 podium finishes in total. The team eventually pulled out of Formula One at the end of the 2008 season and were replaced by Brawn GP. Honda also supplied engines to various teams between 1983 and 1992, and between 2000 and 2005.
McLaren have moved to quell any fears that McLaren’s on-track performance will be affected by the recent announcement, with Jonathan Neale saying that the two are “great partners” who have a “high regard behind the scenes.”
Mercedes have their own presence in Formula One this season - Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team – and also provide the engine for Sahara Force India F1 Team.
