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.

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.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

F1 boss Domenicali on why Apple TV will shatter ESPN’s records

Formula 1 is gearing up for a new digital era in the United States –…

3 hours ago

Sainz reveals ‘not ideal’ reality shared with Alonso

Carlos Sainz has lifted the lid on a private paddock conversation he enjoyed with Fernando…

5 hours ago

Horner names the true culprits of his Red Bull exit

Christian Horner has offered a revealing look back at his dramatic exit from Red Bull…

7 hours ago

McLaren Majesty: When Prost and Lauda stood alone

Alain Prost follows Niki Lauda by just two days on the February birthday calendar, the…

8 hours ago

Coulthard on why Bottas has the edge over Perez at Cadillac

Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 comeback with Cadillac is already under the microscope – and he…

9 hours ago

‘Not pure Formula 1’: Verstappen fires fresh salvo at 2026 cars

After pre-season testing in Bahrain gave F1’s drivers their first real taste of the sport’s…

10 hours ago