Fernando Alonso to get McLaren's F1 upgrade package but penalty too
The McLaren-Honda Formula 1 team will introduce a major update package at this weekend's Austria Grand Prix, however only Fernando Alonso will run the new spec, AUTOSPORT has learned
The team only has one set of updates and with Jenson Button getting priority last time this happened, at April's Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai, Alonso will benefit at the Red Bull Ring.
Alonso will have the chance to further evaluate the parts when he is in the car next Tuesday for day one of the final in-season test.
ANALYSIS: Will McLaren patience run out?
Reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne will take over driving duties on Wednesday next week.
Alongside a new short nose, which passed the FIA mandatory crash test earlier this month, there will be sweeping aero updates across the car, including a new front and rear wing.
The new package is expected to arrive on Thursday evening and be fitted in time for first practice on Friday.
Meanwhile, AUTOSPORT understands that Honda will make updates to Alonso's engine, meaning the Spaniard will incur a grid penalty for Sunday's race.
McLaren and Honda are also considering making changes to Button's power unit this weekend.
The team is expected to struggle on the Red Bull Ring, which is a power track, and will be inclined to avoid taking penalties at its home race at Silverstone and at the Hungaroring, where the layout is more suited to its car.
"It will be another weekend which will be tough and where the results will probably not look good," Alonso said.
"There are some penalties to pay and I think it is going to be a test weekend for us.
"It is very important because we have some updates on the car.
"Hopefully we will have some answers and I'm optimistic about things coming to the car in the near future."
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare 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 mid-race soft tyre strategy in F1 Chinese GP
Alonso: Aston Martin F1 should not apologise for being “too fast” in qualifying
Suzuka sensation redeemed Alonso, but his F1 future is complicated
McLaren "surprised" by China F1 race pace after sprint struggles
Norris: "Nothing pointed" to McLaren's shock China F1 form
How Bruce McLaren's death shaped more than just his F1 team
Erik Jones sidelined with compression fracture after Talladega crash
Alpine confident for 'good news' in Habsburg injury recovery
Ferrari "made too many mistakes" for podium fight at F1 Chinese GP
What is a wildcard in MotoGP and why is it used?
Did F1's new sprint format work?
Chinese Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2024
Why Verstappen's China F1 win was a sideshow to the real battle
How the pursuit of marginal F1 gains caused Sauber's pitstop stumbles
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