McLaren and Honda coy over Mercedes rumors

McLaren's Eric Boullier and Honda's Yusuke Hasegawa were both coy regarding the future of the partnership amid rumors a switch to Mercedes power could be imminent.

As reported following the end of testing, RACER understands contact has taken place between McLaren and Mercedes about a future power unit deal following problems for Honda during pre-season. It is now understood the supply originally allocated to Manor this season could be quickly available, with the Honda supply potentially being given to Sauber in place of the Swiss team's year-old Ferrari deal.

Asked to comment on such a switch, Boullier replied: "Rumors are rumors and I guess our performance, especially during our testing sessions, have created such rumors.

"No, there is no search [for a new supplier], but obviously we are looking at every option to recover and catch up because we are definitely not in the position that we expected to be and wanted to be. So with Honda we are working hard on this and testing was obviously not very good and still today we can see that our pace is not good enough. But we are working together."

Hasegawa added: "Also the same – the rumor is just a rumor.

"After the winter test we are having a strong pressure from the team and from the driver, but we keep improving. We try to keep improving. And of course a second team, we try to have some conversation but nothing is fixed."

A paddock source told RACER they believe the deal to be largely dependent on how quickly McLaren could adapt its car to a Mercedes power unit, but when asked how long such a change would take, Boullier again attempted to rebuff the suggestion.

"I'm not going to comment on this kind of questions. This is a private discussion we are going to have with Honda about how to recover and look at all options. I can tell you nothing else."

When asked by RACER if "every option" means he is focused on improving McLaren quickly or improving Honda quickly, Boullier replied: "As far as we are concerned we are responsible for McLaren and Mr. Hasegawa-San is responsible for Honda.

"But as partners we also try to help and support each other, because the key secret is to be as integrated as possible. Any support we can offer or any support we can get, we will take it."

Fernando Alonso qualified 13th but suggested change could be afoot after being asked how he motivates himself when the season looks like being far from his expectations.

"Well, like I said at testing I expect a big change in the team. A big reaction. We will not be 13th all season, or I will not be 13th all season..."