[Team] McLaren - can they compete?

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by P38 in workshop

I see only negatives if Honda is in receipt of a competitors help.For one thing it is a public acknowledgement of employing a team of engine developers who are not much good compared to the opposition.It also gives said rival the opportunity to market themselves as being so good that Honda had to come to them for help.Which company comes out of this situation looking best?

Is there an independent specialist with the level of expertise to help the project?We have had stories of Mario Ilien being used as an external consultant with the current generation of engines.Could there be other options too?Two or three current engines given to a discreet consultancy with a blank cheque might be a less conspicuous way to make progress and obviously they ought to maintain a parallel company programme?

I wouldn't expect McLaren to have any quibble with the need to modify the packaging of the car if performance follows on.They certainly need to do something to add to the trophy collection if they are to avoid the fate of other formerly great teams like Cooper,BRM,Brabham,Alfa Romeo,Lotus and Tyrrell.

From a PR point of view, I don't see how Mercedes helping Honda can be good for Honda. Then again it's probably only die hard fans who are really interested in the finer details of motorsport. The casual fan, probably isn't interested, which is why they are casual fans in the first place, along with your average motorist. Still I think it's a bit of a gamble.

How long does this current engine/PU spec have to run?