Fernando Alonso has been assessed a 35-place grid penalty after his McLaren-Honda team had to change out the power unit and will start the Japanese Grand Prix.
The big blow comes at Honda’s home race after the engine was found to have a hydraulic issue following the second practice session, leaving the team to break curfew for the second time this season in order to complete the task.
The 36-year-old Spaniard’s tally of power unit work has become lengthy this Formula One season –
Six control electronics
Seven hybrid batteries
Eight internal combustion engine
eight MGU-Ks
10 MGU-Hs
10 turbochargers
The rules and regulations limit teams to four per season without penalty.
With several reliability and power issues throughout it’s three years, when the checkered flag waves on 2017 it will mark the end for the McLaren-Honda marriage. Next season will see McLaren powered by Renault, while Honda will take over as chief supplier to Scuderia Toro Rosso.
Joey Barnes is the Founder of Motorsports Tribune, an outlet that began with the goal of helping aspiring journalists break into and grow the industry. A regular on the racing scene since 2013, the journey for Joey started by covering a Grand-Am event at Circuit of The Americas in his home state of Texas. He has since primarily focused on the IndyCar Series, with appearances in the garages of NASCAR, paddocks of Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship, while also occasionally engulfing clouds of dust at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and select Supercross rounds. With previous stops at Autoweek, IndyCar.com, Motorsport.com and RACER, among others, Joey evolved from the singular task as a freelance writer to advanced roles behind the copy desk and alongside some of the best editorial teams in the business. Recognized as a multi-time award winner by the National Motorsports Press Association, Joey currently resides in Dallas-Fort Worth with his trusty four-legged canine companion, Rocket.
McLaren-Honda is delighted to announce its new driver line-up for 2015: Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button. Kevin Magnussen will remain an important […]
