SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

McLaren and Honda announce split

As was much anticipated, McLaren and Honda have announced that they will discontinue their partnership at the end of the 2017 season.

As was much anticipated, McLaren and Honda have announced that they will discontinue their partnership at the end of the 2017 season.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, McLaren Group Executive Chairman said, "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 of Honda Motor Co. said, "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, of the 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."