Brown: McLaren can navigate any financial hit from Honda divorce

McLaren will be able to navigate any financial implications brought about by an early divorce with Formula 1 engine partner Honda, according to executive director Zak Brown.

McLaren is set to finalise a decision on its engine supplier for 2018 in the coming days, with Renault emerging as a possible alternative after three difficult seasons with Honda since its return to the sport.

Honda is known to contribute a significant level of financial support to McLaren's F1 operation as part of its engine deal, leading to questions as to whether the team could afford to cut ties.

Brown stressed that McLaren would prioritise its sporting interests in 2018, believing it can battle through any commercial concerns that linger in the event of a split with Honda.

"We can't afford not to be on the podium," Brown said.

"It's a big decision that has lots of elements to it, and economics are one.

"Fortunately we have extremely committed shareholders that we can make a sporting decision and deal with the economics.

"We're not financially challenged. We can navigate any financial situation."

Any deal for McLaren to cut ties with Honda appears to hinge on Toro Rosso agreeing to a partnership with the Japanese manufacturer, with its current Renault engine supply moving in the opposite direction.