First-lap accidents have thwarted progress - Boullier

McLaren-Honda racing director Eric Boullier rues “the series of first-lap accidents” that have prevented the team and its engine partner from assessing its upgrades and making substantial headway on the path to recovery.

While the renewed partnership has suffered from poor reliability and shaky performance over the first half of the season, McLaren-Honda also has had its fair share of bad luck after introducing its new package.

Fernando Alonso was involved in a scary first-lap crash wit Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen in Austria, while team-mate Jenson Button’s home race at Silverstone only lasted three corners before he was sent into retirement following contact with Alonso.

“We head to Hungary keen to shake off the poor luck we’ve encountered in recent races,” said Boullier.

“It’s been a source of great frustration to see new components and upgrades destroyed before they’ve had the chance to be race-proven, through a series of first-lap accidents.”

Despite a torrid and luckless 2015 campaign so far, Boullier is quick to admit that McLaren-Honda’s struggles were “firmly put into perspective” by the death of fellow Frenchman Jules Bianchi.

“Last weekend’s sad news about Jules Bianchi means that the grand prix circus heads to Budapest with heavy hearts.

“We’ll all remember his life in our own personal way, but Formula One will come together on Sunday to silently and respectfully mark his passing.”

Jules Bianchi: 1989 - 2015

F1 drivers pay tribute to Bianchi after death at 25

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