McLaren’s Fernando Alonso has labelled Honda’s 2017 problems as “difficult to understand,” amid the partnership’s regression through the Formula 1 pack during the early stages of the year.
McLaren-Honda endured a dismal reunion campaign in 2015, placing ninth overall, but improved to sixth last year, gradually making progress throughout the course of the year.
However, the operation has been beset by unreliability and underperformance so far in 2017, with Alonso qualifying over three seconds off the pace in Australia.
Alonso battled for a top 10 position in the race, before retiring late on due to suspected floor damage, and the Spaniard admitted he was confused by Honda’s struggles, three years into the renewed collaboration.
“I don't have much info," Alonso is quoted by Sky Sports F1, referring to Honda’s progress.
“I don't have clear news on where we are or what we are doing, but let's hope for the best
“I need a reaction from the team. I understand in the first year [of the] project all the difficulties and we also understand in the second year how we grew up together and performed better and better.
“In this third year, in terms of the engine, to take a step back and have more problems than last year, for McLaren-Honda it's difficult to understand.”
Alonso is nonetheless hopeful that he can again contend for the points-paying positions in China, a venue where McLaren has failed to score since 2013.
“If we look at the predictions, the simulations, there is no possibility [to fight for points] but we did it already in Australia so I’m sure already we can do it again here,” he commented.
