Photo: McLaren-Honda F1 Team

Alonso Hit with 35-Place Grid Penalty for Japanese GP

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief

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.

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Joey Barnes is the Founder of Motorsports Tribune. He has covered auto racing since 2013 that has spanned from Formula 1 to NASCAR, with coverage on IndyCar. Additionally, his work has appeared on Racer, IndyCar.com and Autoweek magazine. In 2017, he was recognized with an award in Spot News Writing by the National Motorsports Press Association.