Formula 1: Honda back with McLaren

MCLAREN has rekindled its iconic partnership with Honda, but opened the door to a tricky end to its relationship with Mercedes.

Ending months of speculation, Honda has confirmed a return to Formula 1 in 2015 as engine supplier to McLaren, seven years after a brutal exit from the sport as the global credit crisis hit hard.

F1’s switch from next season to powerplants more in tune with Honda’s manufacturing philosophy has prompted the comeback. This campaign signals the end of the 2.4-litre V8 era, with 1.6-litre V6 turbo-charged units coming in from 2014.

McLaren will have to negotiate a final season of a 20-year union with Mercedes that began in 1995 with the new system 
before moving across to Honda.