‘A shame’ McLaren has not stuck with Honda in F1

Honda returned to F1 as McLaren’s works engine partner in 2015 after a six-year absence, only for the two parties to sever ties after three difficult and fruitless years.

A first deal with Toro Rosso in 2018 paved the way for Honda to work with Red Bull the following year.

Honda announced in 2020 that it would exit F1 at the end of 2021, signing Max Verstappen’s Drivers’ Championship win in Abu Dhabi for the first Honda-powered title win since 1991.

Button, who is now a Sky Sports F1 pundit, drove for McLaren-Honda for the entirety of 2015 and 2016, in which he finished a race not higher than sixth. Button also raced for Honda’s works team from 2006 to 2008, scoring the team’s last win in 2006, as did for its customer predecessor BAR.

“I was with them from the start [V6 hybrid] project and it wasn’t easy for them,” Button told Motorsport.com.

“In the hybrid era, they had problems when they first came in. They were obviously a few years behind everyone else. [There were] many reliability issues.

“And I think it’s a shame McLaren didn’t stay with them. It was very easy for them to point the finger when they weren’t competitive and they pointed out the most unreliable part, which is the engine.”

“But now, working with a team like Red Bull and all their experience, they seem to have found a really good partnership.

“It’s nice to see Honda winning again because their last win before the Red Bull era was mine in 2006, a long time ago in the sport. So it’s great to see them win.”

Former World Champion Jenson Button

Photo by: Gareth Harford / Motorsport Images

Red Bull will take over operations of its powertrains and engines from Honda this year after forming its own Red Bull Powertrains division.

The Red Bull and AlphaTauri teams will continue to be supported by Honda to supply the powertrain units over the next year before Red Bull Powertrains takes full responsibility for all manufacturing and maintenance from 2023.

Also read:

While Button felt it was a shame that Honda was leaving F1, he appreciated the financial reality behind the call.

“They are so passionate about their racing and it’s a shame to see them go,” Button said.

“But I kind of have an idea of ​​how much they’re spending, and it’s a lot of money, so I understand why they want to leave. It’s time.

“But they’ve had a fantastic year in the sport and it’s nice for them because it hasn’t been the easiest ride for them on this journey.”