McLaren and Honda have scored just three points in nine races since reviving the partnership that won multiple F1 world championships in the late-1980s and early ’90s.

Honda’s new V6 turbo hybrid engine has proved unreliable and uncompetitive compared to the leading power units produced by rivals Mercedes and Ferrari, but Honda motorsport boss Yasuhisa Arai said his company wouldn’t look to bolster its operation by poaching engineers with greater experience of F1′s current engine rules from rival manufacturers.

When asked whether Honda would look to hire experience from Mercedes or Ferrari, Arai replied: “I don’t think so. We have enough resources already.”

Arai also re-affirmed his commitment to helping turn the project’s fortunes around, saying he believes he is the right man to lead Honda’s F1 team, despite its poor start.

“I want to lead my programme by myself,” he said.

“We must make the step we are able to take each year.

“I promise it’s a long-term project for Honda.”