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McLaren's Stoffel Vandoorne has said he was not surprised by the engine penalty he received at last Sunday's Russian Grand Prix, as he expected such an occurrence to be inevitable followingHonda's extensive power unit problems.
The Woking team's difficult start to 2017 got no better in Sochi, and their issues at the circuit began when Vandoorne was demoted 15 places on the grid after using up the allocated number of power unit parts after just four races. Given the excessive lack of reliability McLaren is currently facing, the Belgian may well find himself hindered by further penalties throughout the season - but he is evidently prepared for this.
"Well I think it was only a matter of time really after the issues we had in winter testing, and going to the first races with so many issues," he said. "It was only a matter of time to get the grid penalties, so unfortunately this weekend already in the fourth race we are taking some grid penalties. I think this is just the situation we are in at the moment and whatever happens next we just have to wait and see."
Mason Hawker
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It is and it isnt surprising. Either way, at this rate, Vandoorne has very little chance to show what he is made of this season. Even if Honda gets their reliability fixed, Vandoorne will likely have to permanently be in conservation mode.