I am seriosuly getting worried about the McLaren/Honda . . .
McLaren Honda
McLaren's third year with Honda started off with massive disappointment. On the back of an improved 2016 campaign, this year's winter testing was once again extremely difficult, with reliability far from what could be expected.
The Japanese engine manufacturer opted to completely redesign its power unit, moving away from a turbo located inside the V between both cylinder banks. As a result of the troubles, both McLaren and Honda admitted the situation put considerable stress on the relationship between the partners. Fernando Alonso also went on record halfway through the second test by saying the team's only problem was the power unit, saying "there is no power, and no reliability".
McLaren has already written the first part of the season off. Eric Boullier admitted he would be happy to see his cars cross the finish line in Melbourne. But even if that happens, Honda has to begin a desperate fight for power because the McLarens are 20 km/h down on the top speed compared to Mercedes. Driveability is a major issue while power unit vibrations caused electrical components within the chassis to fail as well. Even with de-tuned Honda units, McLaren had to use six power units over the eight days of testing, two more than permitted during the whole 2017 campaign.
Mileage completed: 1978 km, 425 laps
The team’s form in short: the least running, woeful traction, power unit issues caused by high vibration, balance woes
