Vandoorne hit with grid penalty after more Honda problems

Stoffel Vandoorne will start the Russian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after exceeding the maximum number of power unit components for the season at just the fourth race of the year.

Having taken a fourth turbocharger and MGU-H ahead of this weekend's race – hitting the limit as each driver can only use four of each power unit component during a season – Vandoorne reported a loss of power late in FP1 on Friday. After investigation, Honda decided to change the full power unit to ensure running in the afternoon session, resulting in Vandoorne using a fifth turbocharger and MGU-H.

The first time a driver uses the fifth of any component they are handed an automatic 10-place grid penalty, while any subsequent fifth component carries a five-place grid penalty. As a result, Vandoorne was handed a 15-place penalty by the FIA for the change in Sochi.

The Belgian has been hit by a number of reliability issues so far this season – even failing to start the Bahrain Grand Prix due to an MGU-H problem - but says he was mentally prepared for a penalty at some stage this season.

"Yeah we had some engine problems again during Practice 1 - MGU-K related – so it just meant we had to replace the engine and we're going to have a 15-place grid penalty this weekend," Vandoorne said.

"I think it was just a matter of time before we were going to have a penalty, we know the start of the season was difficult for us with quite a few reliability issues. Unfortunately it happened again today, so we just have to move on and try to make the most of the rest of the weekend.

"This is the situation how it is at the moment, there's not much we can do about it and hopefully some improvements will come soon."

Vandoorne's problems ensured he ended both sessions low down on the timing screens, finishing FP1 in 17th place and only improving by one position in the afternoon session.