F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vandoorne puzzled by 'bizarre' lack of pace at McLaren

Stoffel Vandoorne echoed McLaren team mate Fernando Alonso's confusion following the pair's dismal qualifying session on Saturday.

Both men missed the Q3 cut, ending up P14 and 15 after a disappointing run that contradicted their hopes of improvement, their MCL33 theoretically set to benefit in Canada from Renault's engine upgrade.

Instead, McLaren's drivers were left to ponder their under-performance, and offered no clear answers on how to turn around their fortunes.

"We weren't competitive at all," said Vandoorne.

"It's a bit bizarre. Yesterday we had a good rhythm and we didn't use the hypersofts in FP2.

"We thought there was a chance to get to Q3. From the start of qualifying we didn't have the performance to get there."

The Belgian clearly felt there was nothing wrong with his car's behavior, outside the fact that overall pace was lacking.

"We were quite disappointed to qualify so far back. We kind of stagnated. There was nothing particularly wrong with the car," he added.

"The balance was good. Nothing major to comment. We were just lacking pace.

"It's a shame not to be able to progress further. There's some learning to do. We expected to be higher up."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Williams' Browning joins rookie frenzy in Bahrain FP1

Williams Racing Academy member Luke Browning is set to add his name to the bustling…

2 hours ago

Ferrari rejects SF-25 ride-height rumors: 'It's the same for everyone'

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has dismissed rumours that the Scuderia is grappling with a…

3 hours ago

One British F1 driver's forgettable season with McLaren

Ex-F1 driver Mark Blundell was born on this day 59 years ago. The British charger…

5 hours ago

Drugovich in action with Aston Martin in Bahrain FP1

Aston Martin’s test and reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will swap simulator screens for the real…

6 hours ago

Alonso calls out Japanese GP snooze fest: 'Just like Monaco'

Fernando Alonso finished just outside the points in last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix but offered…

7 hours ago

Mercedes hands Vesti FP1 session at Bahrain GP

Mercedes reserve Fred Vesti will be in action on Friday in Bahrain, the Dane taking…

8 hours ago