The failed partnership between McLaren and Honda has reached its epilogue with both parties announcing their split.
The partnership which started in 2015 progressively dissolved this season following the Japanese manufacturer's inability to deliver a performing and reliable product.
"There has never been any doubt over Honda’s commitment and energy to the mission of success in Formula 1," says McLaren's executive director Zak Brown.
"They are proven winners and innovators. For a combination of reasons our partnership has not flourished as any of us would have wished.
"It is certainly not for the want of effort on the part of either Honda or McLaren, but the time has come to move ahead in different directions.
"As fellow racers, we hope to see the great name of Honda get back to the top – our sport is better for their involvement. I know this view is shared by everyone in the sport."
Takahiro Hachigo, President of the of Honda Motor Co. commented:
"It is unfortunate that we must part ways with McLaren before fulfilling our ambitions, however, we made the decision with a belief that this is the best course of action for each other's future.
"On behalf of Honda, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to fans who have been very supportive of the team as well as the drivers, team members and everyone involved who shared with us in the joys and disappointments since we began preparing for our return to F1 in 2015.
"Honda will continue the fight together with McLaren all the way to the end of the 2017 season, and then continue its F1 racing activities in 2018 and beyond."
McLaren confirms three-year deal with Renault starting in 2018
The deal will see Renault Sport Racing supply McLaren with Formula 1 power units, while also establishing a close working relationship with McLaren’s engineers and technicians.
"We are pleased to confirm a new partnership for Renault Sport Racing and McLaren Racing and excited to embark on this new relationship of these two historic brands in Formula 1 cooperating together for the first time," says Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul.
"This agreement is perfectly in line with our mid-term strategy and with our objective to be in a winning position as a team in 2020. We are looking forward to seeing the Renault brand on next year’s McLaren and racing our new partners on track.
"McLaren is an inspirational team with two talented drivers which should not only support our engine development efforts but also act as a reference and an example in the ongoing construction of our chassis operations. This is an exciting new beginning with a championship-winning team that is hungry to return to glory."
Zak Brown:
"Today’s announcement gives us the stability we need to move ahead with our chassis and technical programme for 2018 without any further hesitation.
"As an organisation, McLaren has always worked extremely hard to form lasting partnerships with its technical suppliers. We’re convinced that we can bring real value to Renault Sport Racing as we work alongside it to develop this current power unit into a regular race winner."
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