Talks between Toro Rosso and Honda regarding a Formula 1 engine supply deal for 2018 have collapsed, according to motorsport.com. Honda wants to take on a second team, after its deal with Sauber was cancelled.
Talks have been on-going for several weeks. But the two parties – Honda and Toro Rosso, could not come to an agreement regarding the financial aspects of the deal.
With time running short for a Toro Rosso-Honda alliance to be sufficiently prepared for next year, it was decided to bring talks to an end. Toro Rosso will continue to run Renault power units next season.
It remains unclear whether the Japanese manufacturer will continue with McLaren next season after a challenging campaign so far. McLaren is evaluating its options. But Ferrari and Mercedes have made it clear they will not supply engines to the team.
Should McLaren split with Honda, that would force the Japanese manufacturer out of the championship. And will leave Renault as McLaren only option for a supply.
Time to agree a deal with Renault is running short. The engineers already advanced in working on next year’s car configuration.
A Renault deal is unlikely. This is because the French marque will be reluctant to expand its supply to a fourth team. Due to concerns that this would have a negative impact on reliability.
