Japanese car makers Honda have announced its decision to participate in the FIA Formula One World Championship from the 2015 season under a joint project with McLaren. The deal has been confirmed by both parties and Honda will be in charge of the development, manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine and energy recovery system, while McLaren will be in charge of the development and manufacture of the chassis, as well as the management of the new team, McLaren Honda. It will be good to see Honda getting back into Formula 1, as the F1 organizers and fans alike will be Happy with the move.
New Formula 1 regulations will come into play before the 2014 season and will require the introduction of a 1.6 litre direct injection turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems. The opportunity to further develop these powertrain technologies through the challenge of racing is central to Honda’s decision to participate in Formula 1.
Commenting on this exciting development, Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda said, “Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1. We have the greatest respect for the FIA’s decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies and to Formula One Group, which has developed Formula 1 into a high value, top car racing category supported by enthusiastic fans. Together with McLaren, one of the most distinguished F1 constructors, Honda will mark a new beginning in our challenges in Formula 1.”
History of Honda Participation in F1 Racing:
- 1964-1968: Participated as an “all Honda” team including both the engine and chassis
- 1983-1992: Participated as an engine supplier (Won both the driver’s and constructors’ championship titles for four consecutive years from 1988 through 1991)
- 2000-2005: Participated as an engine supplier and joint developer of the chassis
- 2006-2008: Participated as an “all Honda” team including both the engine and chassis