Jonathan Neale says McLaren’s deal with Honda is not exclusive – Formula 1 news
McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale has said that their engine deal with Honda, confirmed on Thursday, is not exclusive which has left the door open for other engine suppliers.
Martin Whitmarsh, the team principal of McLaren, announced that they have made a multi-year agreement with Honda which will supply engines for their cars from 2015 onwards. However, Neale has asserted that the deal is not limited to the Japanese company
only and they can also seek other engine providers on the request of FIA or F1 CEO, Bernie Ecclestone.
“It is better if Honda answers that directly, but all engine suppliers coming in to F1 know they are doing so with the expectation that should they be required, they are prepared to supply more than one team,” he was quoted by Autosport. “We have no illusions;
and we have a lot of work to be ready for 2015. But should the FIA or Bernie [Ecclestone] request, then Honda is aware of that situation. It is not exclusive in that respect.”
The Woking based team is going to use Mercedes' new V6 turbo engine in the next season because of the new technical regulations by the FIA before switching to Honda in 2015 F1 season. Therefore, Whitmarsh has said that they have already started working with
Honda so that they will be able to come up stronger in their first race in 2015.
Meanwhile, Neale has said that this deal will have no impact on their relationship with the German engine provide. He also said that Honda have earned great respect in the world of autosport and they are hoping to work well together in the future.
“It is not in Honda's interest either. Honda is very honourable and McLaren will operate in a scrupulous way,” he added.
It will be important to note that the British squad have not been able to attain consistent results in the season until now because of some reliability problems in their car and are standing at 6th position in the constructors’ championship. Nonetheless,
they are trying to resolve their issues and are aiming to perform well with an improved car in the season ahead.
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