Honda to Participate in the FIA Formula One World Championship
May 16, 2013 New Delhi
TOKYO, Japan, May 16, 2013 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its decision
to participate in the FIA*1 Formula One (F1) World Championship from the 2015 season
under a joint project with McLaren, the UK-based F1 corporation.
Honda will be in charge of the development, manufacture and supply of the power
unit, including the engine and energy recovery system, while McLaren will be in
charge of the development and manufacture of the chassis, as well as the management
of the new team, McLaren Honda.
From 2014, new F1 regulations require the introduction of a 1.6 litre direct injection
turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems. The opportunity to further
develop these powertrain technologies through the challenge of racing is central
to Honda’s decision to participate in F1. Throughout its history, Honda has passionately
pursued improvements in the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and in
more recent years, the development of pioneering energy management technologies
such as hybrid systems. Participation in F1 under these new regulations will encourage
even further technological progress in both these areas. Furthermore, a new generation
of Honda engineers can learn the challenges and the thrills of operating at the
pinnacle of motorsport.
Commenting on this exciting development, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said:
"Ever since it’s establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on
challenges in racing. Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and
nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile
racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus
will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this
is central to our participation in F1. We have the greatest respect for the FIA’s*1
decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but
also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies and to Formula
One Group*2, which has developed F1 into a high value, top car racing category supported
by enthusiastic fans. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Jean
Todt, the President of FIA*1 and to Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula One
Group*2 who showed great understanding and cooperation to help realize our participation
in F1 racing. The corporate slogan of Honda is “The Power of Dreams”. This slogan
represents our strong desire to pursue and realize our dreams together with our
customers and fans. Together with McLaren, one of the most distinguished F1 constructors,
Honda will mark a new beginning in our challenges in F1."
Also, Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited said:
"The names of McLaren
and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula One, and, for everyone who works
for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on
our shoulders. But its a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we
want once again to take McLaren Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula One success.
Together we have a great legacy – and we’re utterly committed to maintaining it."
Jean Todt, President of FIA said:
"I am very happy to hear about Honda’s important decision to return to Formula One
with McLaren from 2015. The introduction of the new power train next year, in the
form of a 1.6 litre, 6 cylinder engine with direct injection and energy recovery,
is a very exciting challenge and demonstrates a vision for the future of the sport.
I am sure that Honda will become a strong contender in the years to come."
Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One Group said:
"It is a great pleasure to see Honda back in Formula One. Their engine technology
and passion for motor sports make them a natural Formula One contender.”
*1. Federation Internationale de l'Automobile
*2. Formula One Group is the collective name for the multiple companies within the organization that manages the overall operation of Formula One racing, including Formula One Administration (FOA) that manages commercial rights and Formula One Management (FOM) that manages promotional
and marketing activities.
History of Honda Participation in F1 Racing:
1964 - 1968: Participated as an "all Honda" team including both the engine and chassis
1983 - 1992: Participated as an engine supplier (Won both the driver’s and constructors’
championship titles for four consecutive years from 1988 through 1991)
2000 - 2005: Participated as an engine supplier and joint developer of the chassis
2006 - 2008: Participated as an "all Honda" team including both the engine and chassis