McLaren’s Eric Boullier has praised Stoffel Vandoorne for his cooperation after the team used a deliberate tactic in qualifying to give Fernando Alonso a slipstream boost.
With Vandoorne heading into qualifying for his home grand prix facing a 65 place grid penalty, the McLaren rookie allowed team mate Fernando Alonso to use his slipstream along the Kemmel Straight.
While Alonso was unable to capitalise on the strategy due to a problem, Boullier praised the Belgian driver’s effort.
“In Q1, Fernando and Stoffel helped each other with tows – even on the same lap – a remarkable feat to pull off, and one which helped them both to progress to Q2,” said Boullier.
“In Q2, Stoffel – fully aware of his starting position for tomorrow’s race – did the honourable job of sacrificing his own performance to provide Fernando with an extra little boost on what is renowned for being an extremely challenging, power-hungry circuit. I’m sure the favour will be returned in due course.”
Vandoorne says the strategy was an example of the good relationship that the two McLaren drivers share.
“It was good teamwork today,” said Vandoorne. “Fernando and I have a very good relationship – we’ve showed that in the past and we’ve showed again today that we work really well together. I’m sure the situation will come where I’ll need his help”.
Alonso was unable to make the most of the team’s tactics, due to a problem with power deployment from his Honda power unit.
“At the wrong time – in the last attempt in Q2 – we had a problem with the deployment,” explained Alonso. “I lost six tenths between Turns 11 and 12, so I aborted the lap because it was no longer possible to improve. ”
“We’ll start from P11 tomorrow – which here in Spa is a bit of a surprise for us anyway – and maybe being on new tyres and choosing the compound is better than starting 10th.”
Vandoorne may be starting from the very back of the field, but the Belgian driver says he’s still looking forward to his first home grand prix.
“This weekend is so special for me – there are a lot of fans here, and I have friends and family here with me to cheer me on. It definitely gives me a little extra bit of motivation for my home grand prix.”
myst
26th August 2017, 19:21
I said it earlier Mercedes clearly helped Hamilton by giving Bottas a faulty setup, so he couldn’t embarrass Hamilton once again. Lauda said so on skyF1, it wasn’t Bottas’ fault he wasn’t quicker. So before people start their conspiracy about Vettel, Kimi and Ferrari, Hamilton and Mercedes is the place where they have to start looking at first.
Hamilton said, he had the strongest friday ever in 2017 so why not Bottas suddenly?
Binky
26th August 2017, 20:26
LOL
Frederick Mann (@myst)
26th August 2017, 20:49
LOL @ what?
Bahrain, Austria, Hungary, Baku, Russia, what do you mean by LOL?
Bottas scored more points than Ham and Vet for the last six races or so.
Patrickl (@patrickl)
27th August 2017, 11:49
Oh come on. They’ve had the same issues on the other side of the garage. Hamilton also had a few of those “we don’t know why the car is suddenly underperforming” issues (Monaco, Baku, Austria, Hungary Q3).
Maybe, just maybe, this is complex car to get the setup right? Just like Raikkonen looked set to beat Vettel in quali and then in Q3 the car suddenly doesn’t “go”.
Gigi
26th August 2017, 19:40
Bottas is the number two driver.
Nigel
26th August 2017, 20:15
Seems to me everyone was getting a tow from their teammate. Vettel and Alonso to name a couple.
Baron (@baron)
26th August 2017, 20:27
What’s the point McLaren? You’re just chasing rainbows. Get it sorted!
Baron (@baron)
26th August 2017, 20:35
How has Boullier brought anything to the party? Granted he seemed to have helped make the last Renault incarnation successful beyond their fighting weight but since? I honestly think he’s a waste of space and cash.
Henry
27th August 2017, 3:08
You may be right but IMO it’s hard to judge Boullier as he wasn’t exactly taking over a successful project in the first place.
What a travesty McHonda has been – it’s almost unbelievable….
Fil Cam
27th August 2017, 10:54
McLaren seem to be in a lot better shape than when he took over. He’s not responsible for Honda’s woes.
eric
26th August 2017, 20:42
Honda engine was so flabbergasted by the high speed as a result of the tow it stopped his extra 160Bhp boost.
Even the engine itselfs has doubts about its quality..
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/131449/taking-pouhon-flat-confused-alonso-honda
SM
26th August 2017, 23:32
I read somewhere that in monza Alonso will give vandoorne a tow since he will have the penalties next race
Jordi Casademunt (@casjo)
27th August 2017, 3:12
He said so in a spanish interview during qualifying.
Chicane85 (@ramysennaf1)
27th August 2017, 6:32
if not for the freaking engine, alonso should be on pole, freakin honda man…..