Eric Boullier: “We have no regrets”

The checkered flag of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix set an end to the relationship between McLaren and Honda yesterday for the conclusion of the 2017 World Championship. The British team which sealed an alliance in 2015 which evoked a glorious period of F1 in the late 80s, failed to repeat this chapter over the last three seasons.

Since 2015, only fifth place remains the best result for the British-Japanese alliance. And for the last MCL32 outing yesterday on the Yas Marina Circuit, Fernando Alonso finished the event in ninth position.

« It was an important race for us, admits the Spaniard. It was the end of this project and we wanted to finish it in a good way. It wasn't very exciting from our position, but we had an interesting battle with Felipe Massa up front and Carlos Sainz behind.

We chose to try the undercut on Felipe and it worked very well, but after that we struggled with the rhythm and moved alone most of the time. But we had a solid race, with a good start, a good strategy and two points, so I'm happy.

We had a difficult season and three years for us, but I am still very proud of this project. We were unsuccessful in terms of results and performed below expectations, but nevertheless everyone fought and worked very hard.

Now we are going to separate. We wish the best for Honda and good luck for the McLaren project Renault. This is a new chapter for both of us. »

Time to take stock

Honda will in fact motorize Toro Rosso from 2018, when McLaren will join the clan of teams powered by Renault, alongside the official team of the Diamond brand and Red Bull. Considering the performance of the training Milton Keynes, expectations are high in Woking.

Despite the complicated years, Eric Boullier, McLaren competition director, says he has no regrets at the end of this three-year relationship. « I would like to sincerely thank Honda for working so hard with us to constantly strive to learn, develop and improve, comments the Frenchman.

And, while no one can deny that it has been an incredibly difficult season, we end our partnership in Abu Dhabi with a stronger relationship than ever and great respect.

There were ups and downs, but we have no regrets and all members of the McLaren Honda team wish each other the best for the next chapter of our respective stories. »

Discover the full report and analysis of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent on the Yas Marina Circuit, in AUTO issue 2142hebdo, available from 22 p.m. this evening in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.