Why the McLaren-Honda divorce is great for F1
After months of confusion and criticism, McLaren is set to divorce engine suppliers Honda after three disappointing seasons. As part of a three team deal expected to be announced at the Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren will swap their Honda engines for Toro Rosso’s Renault supply, while Carlos Sainz joins Renault for 2018. So why is this great for Formula One?
Honda stays in F1
Liberty Media’s main concern with all of the McLaren-Honda rumours has been the potential exit of the Japanese manufacturer, especially after a potential deal with Sauber fell through earlier this year. But with Toro Rosso set to replace McLaren as Honda’s customer team, the company will remain on the grid. This bodes well for Liberty Media’s goal of attracting other engine manufacturers to the sport. If Honda exited yet again, other potential suppliers like Audi and Cosworth could’ve been scared away.
Alonso remains on the grid
The toughest part about suffering through the McLaren-Honda saga has been hearing Fernando Alonso make complaints like this:
But now that McLaren have secured Renault engines, Alonso is expected to remain with the team for at least another season. The Spaniard has made it clear that he believes McLaren could have scored podiums this season had they possessed Renault engines. With rumours of Alonso considering a switch to IndyCar or endurance racing if McLaren’s situation did not improve, keeping one of F1’s biggest names on the grid is a huge relief.
McLaren could (finally) return to form
Since renewing a historic partnership with Honda in 2014, McLaren has failed to score a podium. But despite their continued issues with Honda, the prevailing opinion throughout the paddock is that McLaren’s chassis is one of the best on the grid. If they had a more reliable engine, they could have returned to the front-running ranks this year. And now that they have time to design their 2018 car to fit the Renault engine, we should finally see real progress for the Woking-based outfit next season.
Win-win for Sainz and Renault
Renault has seen encouraging progress from its works team this season, but that has exclusively come from Nico Hulkenberg’s side of the garage. Hulkenberg was a huge signing for Renault, but team-mate Jolyon Palmer continues to disappoint. Replacing Palmer with Carlos Sainz in 2018 gives the French outfit one of the strongest pairings in the midfield pack. For Sainz, the move could benefit his career. The young Spaniard has been frustrated at Toro Rosso, with no front-running seats opening up at Red Bull. The chance to prove himself in a more competitive works package should increase Sainz’s stock for when opportunities arise at the top teams for 2019.
Red Bull’s influence
Although they have distanced themselves in recent years, Red Bull and Toro Rosso are still closely connected. Red Bull are growing frustrated with Renault, but their options for a new engine supplier are limited. By letting Toro Rosso run Honda engines, Red Bull can keep a close eye on Honda’s progress. Rumours have circulated that if the Japanese manufacturer makes real strides, Red Bull could replace Toro Rosso as Honda’s works package. With Toro Rosso essentially testing Honda engines and Sainz developing at Renault, Red Bull are playing the long game.
