Visor tear-off caused Alonso’s Barcelona DNF

McLaren-Honda reveals that Alonso’s DNF during last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix was caused by a visor tear-off lodging into the right rear brake of his MP4-30, which prevented the brakes from cooling.

Lining up 13th on the grid, the Spaniard was running quite strongly when he was forced to withdraw from his home event on Lap 26. Alonso had just radioed in his team to say he was experiencing brake problems before heading for the McLaren pit.

But the double world champion even struggled to stop his car at low speed and overshot his box.

“My pit-stop was a scary moment,” Alonso said.

“I didn't have much rear braking for my whole in-lap, then even less at the stop. It was scary for the mechanics, but luckily it didn't hurt anyone.”

McLaren suffered a very challenging weekend at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with team-mate Jenson finishing down in 16th and labelling his car “scary to drive”.

Alonso will skip this week’s Barcelona in-season test, as McLaren-Honda test driver and 2014 LMP2 Le Mans winner Oliver Turvey is scheduled to run on Tuesday before handing over the MP4-30 to Button for Wednesday.

Click here for Sunday's gallery from the Spanish Grand Prix

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

1 hour ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

3 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

17 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

19 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

20 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

22 hours ago