Williams strongly deny Honda link-up; don't want to be ninth again
https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/15037
Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams has denied rumours the British outfit is linking up with Honda next season as part of plans to become a 'works team' once again.
A Report in Swiss newspaper Blick said Williams would take up McLaren's status as Honda's works team, whilst McLaren would take over Williams' current Mercedes engine deal as part of its plan to divorce the Japanese outfit it reunited with in 2015.
However Williams has said that isn't true and no talks had taken place between Williams and Honda.
"We had a fantastic relationship with them back in the 1980s, but I can categorically say that we have not talked to Honda," daughter of co-founder Sir Frank Williams told talkSPORT2.
"We are not a cause of the break-up [between Honda and McLaren] and we are not here ready with a press release saying we are joining forces with them in 2018. We haven't talked to them."
Williams insisted she is happy with current supplier Mercedes and despite the lure of a reported $100 million in funding Honda reportedly give McLaren annually, she said she'd rather operate on their current budget than drop down the championship order – McLaren are currently pointless in tenth place.
"We have a great partnership with Mercedes," she added. "They helped drive us to third place in the championship up from ninth the previous year.
"They're a fantastic partner and they provide us with a fantastic power unit. I'm not sure why you would look to change that, to a power unit that isn't at that level of competition yet.
"We all know that Honda do put a huge amount of money at McLaren but when I weigh up the pros and cons, would I rather have the budget we have and be the fourth quickest car or have a huge amount of money and finish P9 again?"
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