McLaren-Honda on the rocks but Claire Williams insists "we are not a cause of the break-up" after report claimed 2018 deal with them
Monday 26 June 2017 13:03, UK
Williams are not considering switching to Honda power for 2018, according to Claire Williams.
Swiss newspaper Blick reported Williams were key to the potential McLaren-Honda split as they hope to reunite with their former engine partners by becoming the Japanese firm's 'works team' next season.
Williams won 24 races, as well as a world championship with Nelson Piquet, when they were powered by Honda from 1983 to 1987, but their deputy team principal says no negotiations have taken place and they are in no way clearing the way for McLaren to ditch their suppliers.
"We had a fantastic relationship with them back in the 1980s, but I can categorically say that we have not talked to Honda," Williams told Sky F1's Rachel Brookes during The Grand Prix Show on talkSPORT 2.
"We are not a cause of the break-up and we are not here ready with a press release saying we are joining forces with them in 2018. We haven't talked to them."
Williams also explained that she saw no reason to leave Mercedes, with the Grove team twice finishing third in the constructors' standings since joining forces with the Silver Arrows in 2014.
"We have a great partnership with Mercedes," she insisted. "They helped drive us to third place in the championship up from ninth the previous year.
"They're a fantastic partner and they provide us with a fantastic power unit. I'm not sure why you would look to change that, to a power unit that isn't at that level of competition yet."
McLaren are expected to end their three-year stay with Honda after a catastrophic start to the season, which would leave Sauber as the only Honda-powered car in 2018.
But would the money on offer from a Honda partnership tempt other teams to still partner the Japanese manufacturer?
"We all know that Honda do put a huge amount of money at McLaren but when I weigh up the pros and cons, would I rather have the budget we have and be the fourth quickest car or have a huge amount of money and finish P9 again?" Williams added.
"Right now it's too close to those years to go back to them."
