McLaren-Honda or McLaren-Renault in 2018? The time for decision is approaching for Zak Brown
Interviewed yesterday afternoon by a group of journalists including Motors Inside, Zak Brown stated that September will be decisive for the Woking team. Staying with Honda, continuing with Alonso, taking a historic turn... Let's take stock.
Remember. Early 2015, the return of a legendary Formula 1 partnership had the paddock and fans excited. 23 years later, the British manufacturer and the Japanese engine supplier teamed up for a second part of a well-filled history, boasting 43 wins, 4 driver titles, and 4 constructors’ titles. But after the idyllic late 80s, tragedy struck the 2010s in several acts. After a resurgence in 2016, the duo plunged back into the depths in 2017, as in 2015, ending ninth in the constructors’ standings, ahead of only one team (Marussia in 2015 / Sauber this year).
Even worse, the catastrophic reliability of the engine linked to a glaring power deficit leaves a lasting impression. The decision to build a new power unit for this year proved to be the wrong one, by far. Eleven retirements have already been recorded this season for the Alonso-Vandoorne duo. Six are related to a mechanical issue, transmission, and especially the engine.
Which engine: the French temptation?
Precisely, who will supply McLaren in 2018? Fernando Alonso is weighing in on the matter. The double world champion recently issued an ultimatum: Honda or me. But in reality, things are not that simple for Zak Brown and his team. On the market, an alliance with Ferrari seems unthinkable, both because of the history between the two teams and their positions as luxury car manufacturers.
From then on, only Mercedes remains on the table (a return to the roots, tricky due to the domination of the eponymous team)… or Renault. And against all odds, the French engine manufacturer might ultimately be a realistic option. Especially if Red Bull, which owns Toro Rosso, agrees to release its little sister from its commitment, handing it over in an exchange with Honda.
This Friday in the Monza paddock, a high-level meeting was observed between Jerome Stroll, Managing Director of Renault Sport F1, Cyril Abiteboul, Alain Prost, and Eric Boulier, hosted within the McLaren motorhome, after the second free practice session. This distinguished group was joined by Ross Brawn, in his capacity as the technical and sporting director of Formula 1.
This meeting is not trivial. The divorce with Honda is gradually taking shape. Even though there are still many obstacles. Canceling the current commitment could cost the team 50 million pounds. “It’s very complicated,” admitted the McLaren boss to various microphones, including that of Motors Inside. “There are a variety of puzzle pieces on the table, some are under our control, others are not.”
In reality, a date has nonetheless been mentioned. We’ll have to act quickly to satisfy the construction of the 2018 cars, both for our own team and for Toro Rosso: « We don’t have to make a decision this weekend. We still need to discuss. In fact, our deadline is set for the beginning of this month. I can’t be more specific at the moment. » And regarding Honda, Zak Brown remained inscrutable « I will not comment on our meetings with Honda ».
A suggestive clue…
A separation has already been made, however, in spirit. The businessman persists and signs. The chassis-driver pair would have climbed to the podium on its own, independently of the issues faced by Honda. And precisely, only one concern guides the American for 2018: competitiveness.
« We cannot bear not being on the podium. It’s a big decision that involves a number of elements, including economic ones. But fortunately, we have a group of extremely committed shareholders, which means that we can make a sporting decision while safeguarding economic interests. »
F1 Gossip: Watch as Renault chiefs visit McLaren; Hamilton pens Diana tribute poem; Driver market rumours https://t.co/44zAIte1YJ #italiangp pic.twitter.com/gBdnUqTKBg
— Sky Sports F1 🏎 (@SkySportsF1) 1 septembre 2017
Will Alonso leave Woking?
What is certain for now: Stoffel Vandoorne’s contract renewal, announced at Spa-Francorchamps. As for the rest, the McLaren management must handle the moods of a driver at his wit’s end. But now, both hypotheses are accepted.
The negotiations are underway and everything is going very well, indicated Zak Brown to journalists, as if to reassure himself as well. But we have a plan B and a plan C if we cannot reach an agreement.
To go further, Ron Dennis’s successor clarified on Sky Sports that he had not received an ultimatum from Alonso. Just that his decision will be based on what he believes to be competitive or not. He is not solely focused on the engine!
In any case, Fernando Alonso’s replacement will not be Lando Norris. The executive director of McLaren Technology Group says this about him: « He is fast enough for F1, but we don’t want to rush things. He needs to gain experience. » This will come through a place in F2 in 2018. There is no doubt that his progress is a ray of sunshine in an ocean of misery.
Despite everything, a great form on the Monza track in free practice.
To return to the track in its raw state, the two orange and black cars had an unexpectedly good Friday. Particularly during FP2, finishing in seventh and eighth positions, two-tenths behind Ricciardo’s Red Bull, and ahead of the Force India and Massa’s Williams. Vandoorne even made it into the top 10 at the end of the morning session, with the ninth-fastest time. The Belgian described his Friday as surprising. The main interest lies in whether the 2015 GP2 champion is racing with the “Spec 3.7” version, installed in Alonso’s car during the initial laps of FP1.
Let’s still remember that this engine was dismantled once the first relay was completed, which explains this umpteenth penalty on the starting grid. The Spaniard did acknowledge having a good feeling in both sessions.
« We found performance, which is somewhat unexpected given the unfavorable configuration of the track. We didn’t hope for that much. »
Alonso’s mission will be that of a luxury teammate. Like at Spa but reversed, it will indeed be the double world champion who will tow Vandoorne in his slipstream. Stoffel helped me at Spa when he received his penalties. So I will help him as much as possible by giving him a slipstream, and thus a good position for Sunday.
Stoffel finishes FP2 in P7, Fernando P8. #ItalianGP 🇮🇹🏎️ pic.twitter.com/hQEQk4KUmR
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) 1 septembre 2017
From our special correspondent in Monza
