It was not a pleasant weekend for McLaren fans, it is as simple as that. After qualifying last and finishing in last, it is clear that the team are very much struggling at the moment. In what was in effect a test session, the team managed some decent mileage, and even improved their consecutive distance in running by almost five times. This is just one small step for the Honda power unit in its first appearance, but there are some positives to take from this event, that is to be certain.
2015 Australian Grand Prix McLaren Review
No. 20 Kevin Magnussen (DEN)
Qualifying: P18
Race: DNS (engine failure)
Magnussen had very limited running in winter testing after he was drafted in to replace the absent Fernando Alonso. Other than a crash in free practice, he rarely put a foot wrong though, and he must be commended for that. He qualified in last place after the Manor cars did not take part, and was quite some way off of Button’s pace. His race unfortunately ended very prematurely however as his (or should I say Alonso’s) engine expired en route to the grid. This leaves Alonso with only three engines for the remainder of the season.
No. 22 Jenson Button (GBR)
Qualifying: P17
Race: P11
I was more amazed that Button finished the Grand Prix than anything else; let alone the impressive performance he put in during the race. He was hoping not to be on the back row in qualifying, and failed to achieve that, but nearly managed to beat Marcus Ericsson’s Sauber. His race was expected to end one way or another prematurely, but he fought his way through to the tail-end of the midfield, and had an enjoyable battle with former team mate Sergio Perez. Perez eventually got by for the last points place but Button valiantly finished in what turned out to be last place. His pace was consistently four seconds slower than that of the Mercedes for much of the race, but by the end of the race, he had closed up to just two seconds. Perhaps he was allowed to turn the engine up a bit.
The high heat of Malaysia may be incredibly tough for McLaren and their ‘size zero’ approach to this car. Finishing a Grand Prix at least will provide very much some sort of hope for McLaren fans in the coming races.
