Honda returning to F1 in 2015 with McLaren

[Andy_Bangle]

I think this is great news, fantastic to see the return of Honda to F1

Honda has confirmed that it will return to Formula 1 in 2015 as engine supplier to McLaren.

The Japanese manufacturer has not competed in F1 since shutting its works team at the end of 2008, but has decided to return as a result of the change to 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engines.

[Mook]

I'd heard that was on the cards. Is that not a bit high risk for McLaren though for 2014 - having a new lump for one year only, likely Mercedes, who won't be wanting to give them as much as they could?

[Tipex]

Apparently Honda are holding off until 2014 so they can 'see what problems everyone else has' in the first year of the new engines, and hopefully build one that doesn't have them.

[Mook]

I can understand that - makes sense. Just not sure whether McLaren and their sponsors will be chuffed about having yet another year in the doldrums.

[Tipex]

It kinda makes sense on one hand, but on the other, it means they'll be having their own teething problems a year after everyone else has sorted theirs.

Apparently (according to 5 live) a few more teams will be taking the Honda engines too, but the official partnership will of course be with Mclaren.

[Mook]

Maybe they're going to go after the teams using Renault engines? That would end up as a turbo Renault versus turbo Honda battle - it's like going back in F1 time :D