Williams denies reports of potential tie-up with Honda

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The McLaren-Honda partnership is in jeopardy, but Claire Williams has denied any tie-up talks for 2018 between the Grove-based outfit and the Japanese manufacturer.

Reports earlier this week from Switzerland's Blick claimed that Williams could switch its allegiance from Mercedes to Honda next season, thus paving the way for the German manufacturer to supply McLaren in 2018.

A hypothetical switch isn't in the cards however, according to Williams' deputy team principal.

"We had a fantastic relationship with them back in the 1980s, but I can categorically say that we have not talked to Honda," Williams told Sky F1's Rachel Brookes.

"We are not a cause of the break-up 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."

Claire Williams also insisted that the team had no intention of changing engine partners next season, as it is absolutely delighted with its relationship with Mercedes. 

We have a great partnership with Mercedes," she insisted.

"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."

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