F1 News
McLaren team is debating when to use engine upgrade
McLaren has an engine upgrade coming, but the team are debating when to install it on their car because of grid penalties. The upgraded Renault B-Spec PU was used by Daniel Ricciardo during the French Grand Prix.
McLaren recorded their best result of the season during the race at Paul Ricard with Carlos Sainz finishing in P6. Both Lando Norris and Sainz qualified ahead of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.
With this upturn in form and the potential of penalties harming their push for 'best of the rest' later in the season, McLaren is unsure when to install the new engine. New team principal Andreas Seidl admits he's trying to plan a route forward in a conversation with Motorsport.
“It is still something we are working out at the moment. We have to collect the data again after France, and then we have to work out our plan," Seidl said.
“And especially what does it mean in terms of penalties until the end of the year with the different scenarios that are around.”
Sainz needed a second MGU-K after it failed during the first race of the season in Australia. The Spaniard will have to take a penalty when McLaren give him this new PU because it'll be his fourth.
“That is, unfortunately, part of the game. But it is the same for the others around. We have seen others are taking penalties already now, so we have to see. But the engine is a good step. It is encouraging to see that Renault is bringing updates," Seild added.
“In the end, how the regulations are, you need to make a plan of how you’re going to use your engines throughout the season in terms of the modes, mileage and so on to avoid penalties."