Honda problems putting 'maximum' strain on McLaren relationship

Eric Boullier admits ongoing problems with the Honda power unit during pre-season testing are putting "maximum" strain on the relationship with McLaren.

The first test saw a number of reliability problems for the Japanese manufacturer, with an oil supply issue being followed by an unexplained loss of power to the 2017 power unit. With McLaren still running the same specification of engine, the first day of the second test saw an electrical issue lead to another power unit change – again limiting track time – and when asked how much strain the problems are placing on the McLaren-Honda partnership, Boullier replied: "Maximum.

"But obviously we are in Formula 1, we are racing and we have to perform, so the pressure is obviously huge. We put the maximum pressure on all of our relationship with Honda and the same from them. We can't put a foot wrong – we need to be able to deliver the best car as well, so this is both sides."

Despite the ongoing issues, Boullier (pictured) insists McLaren has managed to make some progress at the start of the second test as it relates data back to the team's headquarters.

"[I am] not very much concerned yet, I would say. Obviously we got hurt in our job to understand the car, develop the car, validate some parts etc. But the process today is more about generating data as much as we can and feed the machine back in Woking and make sure the correlation is working with CFD or wind tunnel or anything else because everything is based on our simulation.

"So on this part obviously we would like more laps because we want to test more parts, but the few we've done the correlation was good, so we can now build on predictions, let's say. On this part it's OK, so not concerned yet.

"For the race, obviously a lot of it is in the hands of Honda to make sure they investigate properly, they address it properly. We have to rely on our partners that they will do it – and we believe they will do it."

While keen to work closely with Honda to solve the issues, Boullier added it is important McLaren continues to develop its chassis as much as possible while the power unit manufacturer seeks solutions.

"Well [the ball has] always been in their court, because we are partners but they are responsible for the engine part and we are for the chassis part. We have a special relationship, obviously – it's like a works team – so we are very much involved in both organizations and any support we can bring, we will. So if we can do more, we will do more. But I don't want any distractions from the chassis program as well."