The anticipated news finally came with McLarenF1 confirming that they have come to a mutual agreement with Honda to discontinue their partnership for the FIA Formula One World Championship at the end of the 2017 season.
There has never been any doubt over Honda's commitment and energy to the mission of success in Formula 1,” said Zac Brown. “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.”
Following hot on the heels of this news was the confirmation of the long winded rumour that they would be switching to Renault next season for the start of a three year deal.
The new deal will see Renault supply McLaren with Formula 1 power units, while also establishing a close working relationship with McLaren's engineers and technicians.
Despite a combined Formula 1 presence that stretches back to 1977, this will mark the first time that the two brands have ever worked together.
For McLaren Racing, the reason for the partnership is evident: Renault has demonstrated its ability to build championship-winning engines, for its own team as well as customer teams.
For Renault the deal provides the manufacturer with a second top-level Formula 1 team able to provide it with top-class feedback in relation to the development of its engine in what will hopefully be a partnership that will challenge for victory.
“Today's announcement gives us the stability we need to move ahead with our chassis and technical programme for 2018 without any further hesitation,” added Zac Brown. “As an organisation, McLaren has always worked extremely hard to form lasting partnerships with its technical suppliers. We're convinced that we can bring real value to Renault Sport Racing as we work alongside it to develop this current power unit into a regular race winner.”
