McLaren’s Stoffel Vandoorne will start the Spanish Grand Prix from last on the grid after the team opted to change his energy store and control electronics before the race.
The stewards confirmed the ten place grid penalty – a five place drop for each changed componant – which will see Vandoorne forced to start the race from the rear of the field.
It is likely not to be of too great a concern for Vandoorne and McLaren, given that the Belgian rookie was due to start the race from the back row of the grid anyway in 19th place.
It is the fifth energy store and control electronics used for Vandoorne in only the fifth race weekend of the 2017 season.
Alex Bkk
14th May 2017, 11:29
How is this a penalty?
Ju88sy (@)
14th May 2017, 11:57
Component change in parc ferme.
Strontium (@strontium)
14th May 2017, 12:07
Maybe I’ve missed some engine-related rules, but is it not a pit lane start for a change in parc ferme?
Strontium (@strontium)
14th May 2017, 12:07
Not engine rules, sorry, component rules
Ratboy (@ratboy)
14th May 2017, 11:58
I agree, they should deduct them points instead.
oh.
Ju88sy (@)
14th May 2017, 11:55
That Honda PU is a disgrace considering they are into Year 3 of development. Embarrassing for the company as it shows a lack of competent leadership throughout the program.
socksolid (@socksolid)
14th May 2017, 12:11
It could be interesting to hear what kind of environment there is at honda. Are they hard at work, is there some kind of witch hunt going on with everybody being afraid of saying anything or is it some kind of battle going on with different divisions. Like engine department blaming the electronics guys who are blaming the software who are blaming the engine guys…
Sviatoslav (@)
14th May 2017, 14:59
@socksolid – I don’t know if this info is correct, but I’ve read that Honda hires students as engineers each 6 months to build the F1 power unit. Honda told in 2015 that they need to train young engineers, so that’s how they can train them:-).
joe jopling (@jop452)
14th May 2017, 12:16
Hmmmmm…….not Year 3 its Year 4….as they spent the season before developing and designing and building the engine at the factory, before the car ran at the first test…….
Penalties are often necessary, but how will other engine manufacturers ever come into F1 after seeing what Honda are going through to get on the pace….time for a rethink>>
Gary
14th May 2017, 12:22
Time for McLaren to switch engines, perhaps Briggs & Stratton?