McLaren and Honda call it quits!

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McLaren has formally negotiated a release from its partnership with Honda and will switch to Renault power from the 2018 season.

The long-awaited divorce is the end-result of a dismal period of underperformance endured by the Woking-based outfit since McLaren and Honda started working together in 2015.

It is being reported that McLaren has signed a three-year deal with Renault, an agreement that will take Formula 1's second most successful team to the end of 2020, just before the sport ushers in a new set of regulations.

Engine 'not the biggest factor' in deciding Alonso's future

According to Motorsport.com, McLaren will get parity on unit specification with the French manufacturer's works team as well as with Red Bull Racing.

The McLaren-Renault deal should go a long way towards convincing Fernando Alonso to extend his stay with McLaren although no details have yet transpired over the duration of a potential new contract.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.