F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Trouble-free day still leaves McLaren-Honda exposed

McLaren and Stoffel Vandoorne's test day was spared any drama which in itself should be hailed as a major event following the team's dismal reliability and performance to date.

While Oliver Turvey managed only 17 laps yesterday, Vandoorne clocked in with 82 laps, more than his total amount of race laps this year.

But team boss Eric Boullier insists that the trouble-free day only complicates Honda's task of getting to the bottom of its MGU-H problem which can pop up at anytime, without warning.

"It's very difficult to understand what's going on," he contested.

"We obviously changed the MGU-H four times and yesterday morning, two laps, MGU-H gone, changed the engine, did 17 laps yesterday.

"This morning we had a small alert but we couldn't find anything wrong physically on the car and then since then we've run faultlessly, without any problems.

"So I think it's going to be complicated for Honda to understand what's wrong, it could maybe be coming from some batch problems.

"I don't believe it is a car build problem but we can't find what's wrong... We can do two laps or we can do two days."

Regardless, Vandoorne's time behind the wheel of the MCL32 was still put to good use with regard to advancing knowledged and collecting data.

"We had good days last year as well I think. But today we are following the test plan and a lot of information has been understood and solutions tested on the car.

"So a very good test in terms of data and results."

GALLERY: All the action from the Day 2 in-season testing at Bahrain

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

 

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 in trouble-free FP1

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell led the field in a chilly but trouble-free first practice…

1 hour ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 1 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 1 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in the United…

1 hour ago

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

11 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

12 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

13 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

14 hours ago