Yep its easy to say 'lolsauber' but its a good move for them in the longer run. Who knows whether they'll build a decent engine in 2018 but more data is long overdue.They are in the process of rebuilding their team with new investors. It may sound crazy now but long term it'll be a good deal for them as they will get right up to date engines rather than year old technology from Ferrari.
Yes, Honda are struggling right now but having two teams running their engines (unless McLaren decide to move to Mercedes power) will give them much more development miles. Honda are also now using Ilmor, who helped develop and transform the Renault power unit after the issues with Red Bull. There is also talk of Mercedes providing Honda with consultancy advice to improve the electronics and hybrid systems although specifics about any deal are yet to be fully agreed.
This year with the revised design for Honda could be difficult but with their in-house development, Ilmor and possible Mercedes consultancy.....I'd say Honda will get this sorted!
I am sure McLaren thought it would be a good move in the long run but in the meantime it's just downright embarrassing and it's shocking to see what used to be a top team at the back of the grid and struggling to even finish a race. This years engine seems to be even worse than last year.
Ferrari are unlikely to sanction another deal using year old engines. The reason Sauber are running year old engines is Ferrari wanted a three year deal, something Sauber were unwilling to agree to. The Honda deal makes sense as they're likely cheaper than Ferrari and Honda may actually listen to them as a partner rather than simply as a third thought customer.
I guess at worst it means McLaren will be able to at least move 2 more places up the grid...
In all seriousness imagine Sauber stick them in and out do McLaren. Until McLaren get a better engine we still don't know if the chassis/aero is any good. I believe It's being flattered by Alonso's skills when it actually works.
I think as in previous years McLaren have a strong aero package and chassis, they are just down on power.
It will be interesting to see how Sauber will be treated as I'm sure they are referred to as a Customer in the press release. McLaren have always been Honda's exclusive partner since their return, if McLaren keep Honda after this year I'm wondering if McLaren will adopt the status of Honda's Works Team and receive preferential treatment over Sauber e.g. first to receive and run upgrades etc.
I think as in previous years McLaren have a strong aero package and chassis, they are just down on power.
in 2014 (Button and Magnussen) McLaren had Mercedes power and were nowhere, the chassis was a dog.
I knew nothing about this until now. I assume this purely a cost thing? Honda engines being cheaper than Ferrari's, given that Sauber are having financial troubles.
Apparently Sauber - Honda deal to be announced quite soon.
Makes sense all round really. Honda get more miles on their engine, McLaren don't need to worry about a rival team beating them with a Honda engine and Sauber get a cheap deal with potentially a leading engine. Certainly more potential than a 2016 Ferrari with zero updates.
At the moment Sauber are paying a fortune for engines to be ... At the back of the grid anyway !!
Undoubtedly Honda will be offering their engines at a massive discount (if not free of charge) whilst they are struggling with them.
I'd have liked to see what Ilmor could've come up with re: last years Honda engine. Hopefully Ilmor will have both designs on the bench.