McLaren's power unit woes

McLaren began pre-season testing looking to banish the woes of the last 2 years having reignited their love story with Honda. 

The McLaren Honda partnership was meant to usher in a regime similar to that of the Ayrton Senna days where Honda powered McLaren to race victories and World Championships. 

However, over the course of 2017 pre-season testing, the Woking outfit had completed more power unit changes than would be allowed during the normal season.

Due to these changes, the team were running their Honda unit on reduced power as the drivers had been complaining of vibrations. 

The vibrations that they were experiencing was the power unit literally shaking itself to destruction as Alonso and Vandoorne attempted to cover race distances and test the effectiveness of the aero package, as seen when aero rakes where fitted on the MCL32.

Now however, fresh developments have reached the surface as McLaren are alleged to have approached former engine supplier Mercedes Benz, for a possible swap in power units as the patience of the Surrey team has begun to wear thin.
At this time, McLaren through an anonymous team spokesman have released the following statement: "Winter testing was challenging and disappointing..."
"We are working with Honda to address shortcomings and deficiencies. Together with Honda we are considering options, but we will not comment on media speculation."

This tale is gripping as Mercedes at this time have refused to comment on any angle of this breaking story. As McLaren signal that they have a number of options in the frame, it remains to be seen whether they sign with Renault, hoping to find the same success as the glory days of RedBull, arch rivals Ferrari or whether they go back to a more recent supplier that has provided them with engines that have propelled McLaren drivers of the past to Formula One World Titles and single seater stardom.