The Sauber team confirmed its deal with Honda for the next Formula 1 season is off.
The team issued the following statement:
“The technological partnership between the Sauber F1 Team and Honda is no longer in place. The new Sauber engine partner will be announced shortly.”
Team Principal Frederic Vasseur said:
“It is very unfortunate that we have to discontinue the planned collaboration with Honda at this stage. However, this decision has been made for strategic reasons, and with the best intent for the future of the Sauber F1 Team in mind. We would like to thank Honda for their collaboration, and wish them all the best for their future in Formula One.”
The Sauber team confirmed its deal with Honda for the next Formula 1 season is off
The cancellation happened through mutual agreement. The contract was a deal of former Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn and Honda’s motorsport general manager, Masashi Yamamoto. Kaltenborn suddenly left the team a couple of days before the Azerbaijan Grand prix. After that, there were rumours about the cancellation of the contract until the official confirmation today.
The latest development might be a cornerstone in Honda’s decision to continue or withdraw from Formula 1. The Japanese manufacturer has serious problems with McLaren for years now. Its power units are not reliable and lack enough power. Honda will probably discuss its Grand prix future with the Woking team in October.
Honda pointed out in its statement that the deal was off due to “differences in the future direction between Honda and Sauber, recognized during the preparation process for power unit supply systems”.
Yamamoto said there was a good relationship with the Swiss team while affirming the brand’s commitment to the sport.
“However, during discussions after management changes at the team, we reached a mutual agreement to call-off the project due to differences in the future directions of both parties”, he continued.
“We would like to thank Sauber for their cooperation, and wish them all the best for their future.”
“Despite this announcement, Honda’s passion for motorsports and strong commitment to Formula One remains unchanged.”
The deal to supply the @SauberF1Team with Honda power units in 2018 has been called off. For more details, visit https://t.co/nak56OekaD
— Honda Racing F1 (@HondaRacingF1) July 27, 2017
