McLaren Reportedly Reunited with Honda Engines

With the 2014 engine regulations looming over Formula 1 teams, McLaren F1 has become the first team to express interest in changing its manufacturer for engines. Although nothing has been confirmed, speculation is swirling that arguably the most successful combination in Formula 1 history will be returning, if not in 2014, certainly in as late as 2016.

In response to this, McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh was very neutral, and only stressed the fact that McLaren had extended its partnership with Mercedes as long as 2015. Whitmarsh also mentioned that teams will be making moves and new engine manufacturers such as Porsche and Hyundai have had their names tossed into the ring.

Frankly, the relationship that McLaren and Honda share alone makes the idea of a rekindled partnership a wet dream for Formula 1 fans. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, the McLaren-Honda, along with sensational drivers Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, dominated Formula 1 like no car besides the Red Bull Racing chassis has come close to since.

Still, the McLaren MP4/4 was regarded as the greatest car of all time, and a majority of the improvement from the car came from Honda’s 1.5L turbocharged engine. The efficiency of the motor will be crucial when teams downgrade from the current V8 engines to the smaller V6, and Honda’s experience with such small motors will make them a manufacturers dream once the regulations are placed into effect and Honda returns to the sport.

Most recently, Honda has been providing engines for Indycar teams. Their engines are turbocharged V6’s similar to the ones that will be mandated in 2014, and although the RPM limit is higher, Formula 1 engineers will possibly be using the Honda and Chevy engines for theory and practical application.

All in all, the idea of someone using Honda as an engine manufacturer makes a lot of sense, if they intend to return to the sport. The fact that McLaren has expressed interest in reuniting the greatest partnership in Formula 1 history is also appealing. And although nothing is official, the speculation should provide for some of the most interesting designs Formula 1 has seen in a long time.

Follow Mike Guzman on Twitter @Mike486