McLaren never considered Ferrari for 2021: "Clear brand clash"
F1 News
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has revealed that a deal between the Woking-based team and Ferrari was never on for 2021, as the American explained it would've been a "clear brand clash" for the respective road car makers, who produce competing supercars.
Last week, McLaren announced its partnership with Mercedes from the 2021 season onwards, meaning they'll part ways with Renault after next year, ending their three-year relationship.
The McLaren-Mercedes partnership, of course, has produced three championships in the past, making the upcoming partnership all the more exciting again.
Speaking on other potential engine partners before settling on Mercedes, Brown explained why he thinks McLaren made the right decision with Mercedes.
“We’ve not considered Ferrari," Brown told Motorsport.com.
"It’s a clear brand clash with our McLaren road car business.
“Obviously the Ferrari engine seems extremely strong at the moment. But if you look at the commitment of Mercedes-Benz - where they have been and as a racing team - it is a great yardstick.
“In Formula 1 you have to look at a longer period of time other than a handful of races."