McLaren F1 test scales back test plan after Fernando Alonso's crash
McLaren will run a reduced upgrade at the post-Austrian Grand Prix Formula 1 test due to the extent of damage to Fernando Alonso's car from his crash with Kimi Raikkonen
The Woking-based team brought a big aerodynamic update package to Austria, which included a new short nose, front wing, floor and diffuser, but there were only enough parts for one car - and Alonso got the nod.
The double world champion said on Saturday that the upgrade had worked and further evaluation of the parts was planned for when Alonso returned to the wheel on Tuesday at the Red Bull Ring test.
But the damage caused by his first-lap crash with Raikkonen, which Alonso suggested featured a 40G impact, means McLaren will now run a mix of old and new parts.
The team has some spares, including the new nose box and compatible front wings, which will allow for a partial evaluation of the upgrade.
In light of the situation, McLaren has chosen to swap the driver line-up around, with Stoffel Vandoorne now kicking off the test on Tuesday and Alonso taking over on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Red Bull has also tweaked its line-up with Pierre Gasly testing a day earlier and Daniel Ricciardo moving to Wednesday.
REVISED TEST LINE-UP
Mercedes
Tuesday: Nico Rosberg; Wednesday: Pascal Wehrlein
Ferrari
Tuesday: Antonio Fuoco; Wednesday: Esteban Gutierrez
Red Bull
Tuesday: Pierre Gasly; Wednesday: Daniel Ricciardo
Williams
Tuesday: Susie Wolff; Wednesday: Valtteri Bottas
McLaren
Tuesday: Stoffel Vandoorne Wednesday: Fernando Alonso
Lotus
Tuesday: Romain Grosjean; Wednesday: Jolyon Palmer
Force India
Tuesday: Pascal Wehrlein; Wednesday: Esteban Ocon
Toro Rosso
Tuesday: Max Verstappen; Wednesday: Marco Wittmann
Sauber
Tuesday: Raffaele Marciello; Wednesday: Felipe Nasr
Manor will not run at the test
Share Or Save This Story
F1 testing: Max Verstappen feels 'big difference' in 2018 Red Bull
Williams F1's Oliver Rowland to test Super Formula car at Suzuka
Why F1's under-fire rookie is already causing surprises
Alonso explains how the impact of Aston Martin’s upgrades go further than Hungarian GP qualifying breakthrough
Alonso delivers first verdict on Aston Martin F1 car upgrades
Aston Martin's Hungarian GP upgrade is big – but not as big as F1 insiders expected it to be
Could McLaren follow Red Bull’s path with its own F1 engine – and should it?
The subtle but significant changes McLaren will make for its 2027 F1 car
How driver talent still makes a big difference under F1 2026 rules
The 'incredible stories' that could be told in Formula E's London title decider
Why Buemi is calling time on his Formula E career after 12 seasons
FIA completes Rally Scotland inspection ahead of 2027 WRC inclusion
Mercedes explains "out of phase" developments compared with other F1 teams
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments