F1 News, Reports and Race Results

McLaren drivers' grid penalties tally up to 55 for Mexico!

Anyone looking for the McLaren drivers on Sunday will likely find them at the back of the grid following another set of all to frequent engine changes.

Fernando Alonso takes on a new ICE, MGU-H and turbocharger for the Mexican Grand Prix, which in turn will send the Spaniard 20 spots down the grid.

Stoffel Vandoorne's penalty score is even higher thanks to a complete Honda power unit change which equates to a 30-place drop.

Looking back, McLaren has used up a staggering 109 engine elements since the season kicked off in Melbourne!

Alonso's retirement last Sunday in Austin following an MGU-H put the writing on the wall for this weekend's race.

"This circuit is not the perfect one for our package anyway so we expect not to be super competitive here," he said.

"So maybe it's best to take the penalty and hopefully invest in Brazil and Abu Dhabi with this new engine."

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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.

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