Surely if McLaren knew what to do they would have shared the knowledge with Honda. The fear is that the current engine needs a whole new design as opposed upgrades. I don't think the regulations would allow Honda to scrap this engine and start again based on the knowledge learnt this year. This complicates the situation for next year if that's the case. The gridwalk interview with Ron regarding the engine and Honda didn't look promising. I think they are in for another terrible year next year.

 

own engines would cost €100 m a year.

 

nice thought, but imv they don't have the technical rescores or the $$$$$ to build a go it alone F1 engine.....

 

The know how in design, componet specification and engineering assembly is a complete speciality and simply does not exist in Mclaren.......OK, they can get it but at a massive cost and ongoing fixed overhead commitment with little brand leverage. A distraction they can ill afford as car design continues at a fast pace, imop.

Honda, Ricardo, Cosworth and all the other specialised engine builders and designers have it in spades. Focus and knowhow.

Mclaren need the freedom to swithch technologies at a whim.......engine buiders are married to machines and materials, precisely what Mclaren do not need.

Honda just need to get their management process sorted and get on with what they are good at, designing and building reliable and fast engines.....simples, lol.

 

From what I gather, Honda understands what is wrong with their powerunit, but they haven't the tokens to make the adjustments. The layout of their engine is super compact, with turbo and ERS within the V of the engine, and in order to change components it would essentially need a completely new design.

That said, they aren't going to suddenly have a super-competitive powerplant next year, but it should at least keep them out of the riff raff.

And yeah, they don't want to spend their own money on engines, when they can get them for free, heavily subsidized, from Honda.

 

The only way McLaren would be able to open a shop for engines would be a massive sponsorship deal. They need the sponsors as it is but for engines probably well 150 million initially. I don't think shareholders would go for it otherwise. McLaren did a great job turning a profit in what 4 or five years so that is where they need to be focused on.

 

I wouldn't believe too much Eddy Jordan says

 

I'm starting to think the long term play is to develop their own engine. It will eventually benefit the road car business, too.

Ron's shareholders probably lack the vision and patience, however.

 

further motivation if any were needed is that manor are now going to be powered by Mercedes engines next year...

so ... last place beckons..

or a significant improvement..

 

further motivation if any were needed is that manor are now going to be powered by Mercedes engines next year...



so ... last place beckons..



or a significant improvement..

Ouch, that hurts

 

I agree that it is far too costly and risky for a company the size of McLaren to consider building its own engine. They are simply not as large as Ferrari or Mercedes, and I would hate to see them go bankrupt trying to come up with a competitive engine. I think their best alternative is to have Mercedes or Renault supply them - though that would cost them big time in terms of Honda's $$$ to the team. They won't get that money from another supplier. Unfortunately their options at this point are limited.

 

Although I'd love to see it, McLaren doing there own engine won't happen for a while. The contract with Honda is 10 years.

 

I did not know that, thanks. However I would think there is a get out clause for NON-PERFORMANCE.

 

Im pretty new too F1 so i feel like i'm missing something. Can some one explain what happened to Mclaren-Mercedes and also why they don't have lewis hamilton anymore? What it all just contract stuff or something more.

 

When Mercedes re-entered F1 as a full works constructor, Ron knew the writing was on the wall for McLaren. They would no longer be a priority for Mercedes.
McLaren needed to find a factory partner in order to compete. It the only way possible if you want to win championships. Enter Honda.

 

Thanks that really helped now i'm up to date!

 

Good summary of this years problems and potential for next year

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/f1/exclusive-honda-misery-set-to-continue-into-2016/

 

It's not looking good for next year then either. Fingers crossed though