McLaren to switch to Honda power?

Formula One could have an almost retro feel to it come 2015 if rumours of an engine switch for McLaren prove to be true.

The BBC have suggested that after the teams contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the 2014 Formula One World Championship season, McLaren could switch to Honda engines, who has set to return to Formula One for the first time since 2008.

With the return of the black and gold Lotus livery, Williams returning to Renault power and McLaren set to return to the Honda engines they previously ran in the early 1990’s, F1 will all of a sudden feel quite retro!

Of course at this early stage neither McLaren, Honda or Mercedes are willing to make a comment about the rumour, but even thought of it is enough to make most F1 purists excited at the prospect.

‘We never discuss media rumours about potential partners.’ a McLaren spokesperson told the BBC.

Mercedes executive director Toto Wolff said: ‘We are looking for a long-term engine supplier relationship with McLaren-Mercedes.’

While Honda president Takanobu Ito told the media last month that the Japanese manufacturer was ‘studying’ the idea of returning to the sport once the new engine regulations come into force.

The 2.4-litre V8-engine’s which have been in place in Formula One since 2006 will be making way for new turbo-charged 1.6-litre V6s in 2014.

The new turbo-charged 1.6-litre V6s are boosted by better energy recovery systems. Giving Formula One a more environmentally friendly feel.

The current V8-engine’s produce 750hp and whilst the new power units will produce the same figure, more of it will come from the new Energy Recovery Systems.

In Formula One over the past couple of seasons spectators have become used to the use of kinetic energy recovery system [KERS], the current system producing 80hp and limited to just 6.7 seconds of anyone lap. With limited use it is generally used as a device to try and defend or attack for race position.

The new Energy Recovery System however will provide over double the horse power with 161hp and will be in use for 33.3 seconds per lap.

Many in Formula One believe the change in regulations will see a power shift in F1 with the manufacturers such as Ferrari and Mercedes holding an advantage over customer teams such as Red Bull and McLaren.

So a shift in partners could be beneficial for McLaren, while Red Bull are likely to stay the primary customer for Renault.