F1 News, Reports and Race Results

McLaren drivers predictably get grid penalties for Sunday

Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne will likely to be handed a 15-place grid penalty following the replacement of engine components on each driver's Honda power unit.

The Japanese manufacturer, among many other issues, has struggled with the reliability of its MGU-H element.

Its subsequent change has also led to the fitting of a new turbocharger on each driver's engine for Baku, for the sixth time this season, a quota which automatically triggers a grid penalty.

Vandoorne 'not expecting any surprises' at Baku

"We have some penalties already to start the weekend, which is not ideal, but this is the situation we are in," Vandoorne said Thursday in Baku.

"We will try to do our best, focus maybe a bit more on race runs and hopefully we can play a bit during the race.

"We are probably competing to start from the back of the grid."

In addition to a new MGU-H and turbocharger, Fernando Alonso's McLaren MCL32 will also receive a new internal combustion engine, its fourth of the season and last unit in its authorized allocation.

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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.