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After a turbulent and highly uncomfortable 2017 season so far, there could be light at the end of the tunnel for the future of McLaren-Honda. Honda appears to have made some steady improvements for the Austrian Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne qualifying twelfth and thirteenth around a power sensitive track.
So far this year, the partnership has been a disaster. Since the two reunited in 2015, there has been some tension but after some solid steps were taken in 2016, this season was expected to fire McLaren to near the front of the grid.
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Fernando Alonso was happy with his performance yesterday: "From my grid position I can go into the points," he said. "We are constantly improving. The team is bringing aero parts all the time and Honda is bringing engine upgrades. We are moving in the right direction, we just lack reliability."
"The Japanese are being almost praised, even if another engine has broken," said Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt. "You do not have to be a mind reader to realise that something has happened in the last two weeks."
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Replies (5)
Login to replyHEINZ
Posts: 61
Yes, everyone is sending positive messages, it is very strange. We haven't seen anything different. Howcome Alonso is so positive after his new engine broke??? Honda must be finalizing a +100Hp engine back in Sakura xD
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Its far too early to call any shots, dear media.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Certainly looks a lot healthier than it did many weeks ago
krommenaas
Posts: 155
Maybe Mercedes said "no way" :)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
If Lauda has as much influence as he claim he does, and he is as opposed to a McLaren Mercedes deal as he says he is, then yes, there is no way a deal like that will happen.