McLaren Formula 1 Team Exploring Mercedes Engine Options After Honda Issues

McLaren Formula 1 made an "exploratory approach" to Mercedes about engine supply in the "wake of problems with partner Honda," according to Andrew Benson of the BBC. The move follows a "dismal" preseason test program for McLaren-Honda, in which the Japanese company's new engine was "unreliable and uncompetitive." McLaren is said to be "evaluating options in the event the relationship with Honda cannot be made to work." McLaren and Mercedes were unavailable for comment. Any switch to an alternative engine supplier "would require McLaren to find a way out of its multi-year contract with Honda," which was signed in '13. McLaren's contact with Mercedes was characterized by sources as "informal and brief and has not led to any resolution on either side" (BBC, 3/16).