Thursday 16 October 2014

McLaren-Honda partnership will take time to succeed

The McLaren Technology Centre
(McLaren Mercedes)

Former Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen believes that it will take time for Honda to obtain success upon their return to Formula One as an engine partner to the Woking based outfit. Hakkinen, who won the drivers championship twice in 1998 and 99 for McLaren believes that it would be wrong for Honda to expect instant success.

Speaking in his column for Hermes, the Finn said:

'My experience is that when you switch supplier, you won't be immediately satisfied in the first year. I would find it a small miracle if Honda was immediately up front, although they of course have a lot of motorsport experience.'

During his time at McLaren the Finn drove with Ford, Peugeot and Mercedes power so he knows what it is like to have a engine supplier change. Honda's last stint in Formula One as a team from 2003 - 2008 and secured one victory.

It is still unclear whether or not McLaren will get the opportunity to run the MP4-29H during the season ending test in Abu Dhabi.

© Ben Johnston 2014



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