McLaren urges 'transparency from Renault after Spa failures

©McLaren

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McLaren wants to know the reasons behind the engine failures that hit both its cars at Spa, with team boss Andreas Seidl committing to working with its partner to understand the issue.

McLaren endured a scoreless Belgian Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz failing to even complete a single lap on Sunday while Lando Norris' hopes of securing a solid fifth-place finish vanished on the very last lap of the race.

Both drivers' breakdowns were rooted in a power unit issue, the underlying causes of which are not yet known.

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2019 Belgian GP

"It's disappointing for us to have two DNFs, with one driver not even being able to make the race start," explained Seidl, quoted by Motorsport.com.

"At the same time the situation is on Renault's side as well.

"Renault is making a huge effort in order to bring power updates throughout the season so that's encouraging to see.

"But of course, [it is] disappointing to have all these penalties and the DNFs in the races.

"It is important that we have a transparent and open relationship there, and that we analyse the issues and try to solve them together."

©McLaren

Sainz was the recipient of Renault's new Spec-C engine at Spa, but like the manufacturer's works drivers, the Spaniard was strategically put back on the previous Spec-B unit after Friday's opening day of running.

Seidl doubted Sunday's double trouble was engine-spec related.

"We need to wait first, I don't think it's related," said the German. "Again, it's speculating, and we really need to see. I don't think it's related to the engine spec."

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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.