Honda Rumoured To Make F1 Return

McLaren Mercedes look set to sign a new engine deal with Honda for 2015, if the current rumour swirling around the sport is true.

The BBC is reporting that the Japanese firm could return to Motorsport’s pinnacle. Honda left Formula 1 in 2008 after running their own team, taking over the BAR squad in 2006.

The 2014 season will see a radical change in engines, cars moving to turbo power from then onwards. However if McLaren sign a deal with Honda, it will most likely be in 2015.

However McLaren have failed to comment, saying" We never discuss media rumours about potential partners."

The Woking team currently power their cars with the Mercedes power plant, and the German manufacturer is keen to keep hold of McLaren as one of their engine customers.

No one from the team has commented on the reports just yet, but its Executive Director Toto Wolff said "We are looking for a long-term engine supplier relationship with McLaren-Mercedes." 

McLaren have apparently been given the option to renew their contract with Mercedes for 2014 and 2015.

This is of course still a rumour with no official confirmation, but talk from Auto Motor und Sport has said "The question is whether the Japanese are coming in 2014 or not until 2015, it is a poorly kept secret that McLaren is talking with Honda."

Those comments came from correspondent Michael Schmidt. McLaren have a rich history with the Japanese manufacturer, who supplied them with engines in the 80’s and 90’s.  Honda are reportedly keen to return to the sport with the new changes to engine regulations, with V6 Turbo’s powering the cars that contain use of energy recovery systems, making a more efficient and environmentally friendly power plant.

This is just speculation at the moment and both parties are not commenting on the matter, but should rumour turn to reality it will create an interesting new dynamic to the competitive world of F1 engine supplying.