Honda to replace McLaren with Williams for 2018
According to Swiss publication 'Blick', the Japanese team will enter a partnership with Williams, but it would not threaten their existing deal with SauberNFL Live: All the scores, injuries and action from week 2
Not even the best marriage counsellor in the world would be able to avert the divorce between McLaren and Honda.
The relationship between the two teams began in 2015, but it will take a miracle to keep them together next season.
Williams could 'replace' McLaren
The Woking-based team have grown tired of receiving uncompetitive engines, which don’t fit with the Japenese philosophy of precision and strong methodology. McLaren are already in discussion with other providers, the main one being Mercedes. But Honda would not necessarily be left without a partner.
Williams would inherit McLaren’s place as the principal client of the Japanese team, according to Swiss publication ‘Blick’. This would represent a notional return to Williams’ golden era between 1983 and 1987, when a Honda engine powered Nigel Mansell to glory. As Honda have a guaranteed replacement, McLaren would be free to look for other opportunities.
Honda and Sauber partnership will continue
If the partnership between Honda and Williams were to come to fruition, it would not threaten the existing agreement between Sauber and Honda. At the end of April, the Swiss team officially announced a partnership with Honda for the upcoming season. That partnership will remain in force regardless of whether Honda and McLaren team up.
The rumours draw the following picture for next season: Williams as Honda’s number 1 client, Sauber as their number 2, and McLaren with Mercedes.