McLaren to keep MP4 tag in F1 car name

Expect McLaren-Honda’s 2017-spec challenger to include the historic MP4 appellation in its name, according to new executive director Zak Brown.

The American businessman was hired by the Woking-based outfit at the end of last year, as part of a major management overhaul that saw long-time McLaren Group CEO Ron Dennis forced to step down from his role after 35 years at the helm.

• Brown wants more F1 in the US

Standing for “McLaren Project Four”, the MP4 moniker has been used since Dennis’ Project Four Racing team merged with McLaren in 1981. However, there had been reports suggesting that the team could use a different name for its car in the wake of Dennis’ ousting.

Asked by NBC Sports whether McLaren chargers will stop donning the famed “MP4” label, Brown replied: “No, I think we’re going to stay where we are.”

McLaren-Honda will take the wraps off its new F1 car - set to be called MP4-32 then - on February 24.

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