McLaren says Honda deal bedrock for success

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh says that switching from Mercedes to Honda engines cements their position as one of the big teams.

McLaren announced last week that they would be using Honda engines once their current deal with Mercedes expires at the end of 2014.

“I think what is very clear is that McLaren needs to be supported and teamed in a full works effort with a major automotive manufacturer,” Whitmarsh said during a Vodafone phone-in.

“There is a lot of work between 2014 and 2015 for us undeniably, and it’ll be a tough challenge for the team.”

“We’re going to be doing all we can to win races with Mercedes this year and next, but inevitably moving to Honda in 2015 gives us a bedrock of being one of the big teams. [This] ensures that in the long term we have the resources, the correct structure and focus, to be successful.”

With McLaren making a disappointing start to the 2013 season, Whitmarsh denied that the team would be switching focus to next year’s car.

“No, it’s actually probably less than we planned because we have to try harder on this year’s car to be frank.”

“It’s still early enough in the season. We struggle to give up, and we have to believe we can get up there and get some good results,” he added.