Rumor – Williams key to McLaren-Honda split? (Update)

Massa to Claire Williams – what are you nuts?

UPDATE (GMM) Williams has categorically rejected reports it might become the new works Honda team for 2018.

It is believed McLaren will split with the struggling Japanese manufacturer after three hapless years, potentially leaving backmarker Sauber as the only Honda-powered team next season.

Williams, however, has been linked with taking over the McLaren deal, but deputy chief Claire Williams said: "The rumors about talks with Honda are just wrong.

"We are more than satisfied with our Mercedes power," she told the Swiss newspaper Blick. "So there is no question of a change."

Are Brown and Boullier looking to steal Williams Mercedes engines?

06/19/17 (GMM) Williams has emerged as the potential key to fellow British team McLaren's Honda divorce.

Blick newspaper's veteran correspondent Roger Benoit reports that Williams could drop its customer Mercedes engine deal for 2018 in order to become the new works Honda team.

That would clear the way for McLaren and Honda to split, with the Woking team reviving its former collaboration with Mercedes.

Benoit wrote: "The final question is whether the Silver Arrows actually want to revert to such a dangerous rival as McLaren?

"For Sauber, the outcome really does not matter, as they will remain Honda's number 2 team next year," he added.

Meanwhile, although attending Le Mans to oversee his own team United Autosports, McLaren executive Zak Brown's presence at the fabled sports car race at the weekend turned heads.

Marca, a Spanish sports daily, speculated that not only Brown but also McLaren team boss Eric Boullier was there to perhaps look into a Le Mans project for McLaren and Fernando Alonso.

"I'm sure Fernando is going to race at Le Mans one day," Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen said.

Another Rumor is that F1 CEO Chase Carey and FIA president Jean Todt may have had talks at the weekend about wooing Le Mans competitors Porsche and Toyota to F1 for the new 2021 engine formula.

McLaren's Boullier said at Le Mans: "We are a great technology company, so why not offer our services to Le Mans participants, not necessarily as a competitor?"