Further trouble lies ahead for McLaren drivers

After facing tough fortunes in the last couple of races, things aren’t going to be any better this weekend as well for McLaren.

Fernando Alonso, after suffering a massive 25 place grid penalty at the Austrian Grand Prix due to power unit and gearbox changes, might be up for another grid penalty this season due to an engine change. McLaren confirmed that the new power unit used in Austria was destroyed in the first lap clash with Kimi Raikkonen and his Ferrari.

“We believe that Fernando’s power unit has sustained damage from the accident and it may be necessary to change the engine,” said Honda’s senior managing officer Yasuhisa Arai.

Arai also raised the possibility of Jenson Button also needing another engine and taking further penalties at his home race.

“As for Jenson’s power unit this weekend, the issue is still under investigation,” he said, confirming a “sensor failure” ended Button’s race in Austria. Button was also penalised 25 grid places at the race.

“Honda is not looking to put any hardware updates in place for the British Grand Prix,” Arai added, “but we will optimise the power unit setting to the updated aero parts planned on the chassis.”