Sauber and Honda cancel planned F1 partnership
Sauber's planned Formula One partnership with troubled Japanese engine maker Honda from next season has been canceled, both parties announced at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Thursday.
Honda, who risk having no team to supply next season if McLaren also decide to end their rocky relationship, said in a separate statement that its "strong commitment" to Formula One remained unchanged.
"However, this decision has been made for strategic reasons, and with the best intent for the future of the Sauber F1 Team in mind," added the Frenchman, who was boss of the Renault team until January.
McLaren are also considering their options and the Sauber deal would have given Honda a continued presence in the sport, at worst, and two teams to work with on improving the power unit at best.
"We had built a good relationship with Sauber, and had been looking forward to entering the 2018 F1 season together," said Masashi Yamamoto, general manager of Honda's Motor Sports division.
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