Sauber F1 finds new technical partner in Honda
Sauber F1 will partner with Honda as its new technical partner from 2018, ending its 16-year relationship with Ferrari.
Marking 25 years in Formula One, the Swiss team will look to Honda to supply its engines from 2018, cutting ties with current partner, Ferrari.
Honda returned to F1 in 2015 to supply McLaren F1 with its engines, following a seven year hiatus. The Japanese team is now committed to both teams despite facing criticism for its own and McLaren’s dismal start to the Formula One season with both teams not scoring any points.
Honda said it will strengthen its ‘systems and capabilities’ of its two development operations, HRD Sakura and its operation in Milton Keynes.
Speaking about the new partnership Katsuhide Moriyama, Chief Officer, Brand and Communication Operations, Honda Motor Co said: “This will be a new challenge in Honda’s F1 activities. We will continue our challenges so that our fans will enjoy seeing a Honda with dominant strength as soon as possible.”
Monisha Kaltenborn, chief executive and Team Principal at Sauber commented: “Our realignment is not just visible through the new ownership but also now with our new technological partnership with Honda. We have set another milestone with this new engine era.
“We very much look forward to our partnership with Honda, which sets the course for a successful future – from a strategic as well as from a technological perspective.”