McLaren still working out timing of Renault upgrade

©McLaren

McLaren's upcoming upgrade to Renault's B-spec engine must be well-timed insists team boss Andreas Seidl, or the Woking-based outfit will face unnecessary grid penalties.

Renault introduced its latest engine evolution in France, but Daniel Ricciardo was the sole recipient of the new unit at the works outfit as teammate Nico Hulkenberg was keen on avoiding a grid drop.

McLaren took a similar stance, electing not to bolt the new engine on to Carlos Sainz's MCL34 given the fact that the Spaniard's has already reached his three-engine limit, while a change for Norris was deemed too early.

Seidl impressed with Norris pace despite hydraulic issue

McLaren now needs to work out for both its drivers when it will consume its upgrade, and a change could come as soon as this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, a venue that underscores sheer power output.

"It is still something we are working out at the moment," Seidl said.

"We have to collect the data again after France, and then we have to work out our plan.

"And especially what does it mean in terms of penalties until the end of the year with the different scenarios that are around."

©McLaren

McLaren's dilemma centers more specifically around Sainz and figuring out the right moment - or rather the least impacting opportunity - to hand him a fourth power unit.

"As soon as Carlos is going for the upgrade then we get the penalty, because it is the fourth one. So we need to figure out now when we do that," Seidl added.

"In the end, how the regulations are, you need to make a plan of how you’re going to use your engines throughout the season in terms of the modes, mileage and so on to avoid penalties.

"We got the engine delivered from Renault, which is good and encouraging to see that they keep bringing steps.

"But again the plan for us was that it was better not to use it yet, simply to minimise the number of penalties that we would get until the end of the season."

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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.