McLaren has sealed a split from engine partner Honda and will race with Renault engines next year, Autosport has revealed.
Confirmation is expected in the coming days, as teams gather this weekend in Singapore, and the divorce will mark the end of a reunion of the once dominant duo after three years which have been nothing shorter of a disaster, plagued by unreliability and a perennial lack of competitiveness.
The writing seemed on the wall when the Japanese manufacturer’s woes extended into 2017, as an overhaul of their engine design proved flawed when testing began in February. McLaren resolved to find a new power unit supplier.
After increasing criticism early in the year, McLaren finally confirmed they were resolved to find a new power unit supplier before the Canadian Grand Prix as Honda missed another deadline for fixes and improvements.
Talks were seen with former partner Mercedes but ultimately their approach would end in rejection, an unthinkable switch to Ferrari was also quickly turned down before the team turned to Renault and it is understood a three-year deal has now been finalised.
According to Autosport, McLaren will enjoy engine parity with the works Renault team and fellow customers Red Bull but Honda will remain in Formula 1 after completing a deal to supply Toro Rosso.
The Red Bull junior team secured the switch by offering highly-rated Carlos Sainz to Renault as an effective sweetener, with the Spaniard certainly joining for 2018 and potentially as soon as Malaysia, although that is still to be seen.
Though no comment has been offered, it is likely the Renault switch will also see Fernando Alonso remain with McLaren in 2018 and beyond but the Spaniard is still weighing up his options with his contract due to expire at the end of the year.
