The 2015 FIA Formula One World Championship will see the return of Honda as an engine supplier for McLaren.

The Honda McLaren Partnership

The partnership between McLaren and Honda ruled F1 between 1988 and 1992, and won eight world championships, during which it took the winner’s podium in 44 out of 80 Grands Prix.

In this restored partnership, 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.

New F1 systems and regulations

The decision for to re-enter F1 racing after 5 years had to do with Honda’s urge to be part of further developing new powertrain technologies. From 2014, new F1 regulations require the introduction of a 1.6 litre direct injection turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems.

Over the years Honda has passionately pursued improvements in the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. With the recent development of pioneering energy management technologies such as hybrid systems, participation in Formula 1 under new regulations will encourage even further technological progress in both these areas.

“I am very happy to hear about Honda’s important decision to return to Formula One with McLaren from 2015. The introduction of the new power train next year, in the form of a 1.6 litre, 6 cylinder engine with direct injection and energy recovery, is a very exciting challenge and demonstrates a vision for the future of the sport. I am sure that Honda will become a strong contender in the years to come,” said Jean Todt, President of FIA.