Honda links the stops to stress on its ERS cooling circuit at high altitude, after cooling problems hit the team all weekend.
Both Aston Martin drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, were out of the Mexico City Grand Prix with five laps credited each. Cooling problems had hit the team all weekend. Honda said an ERS cooling circuit came under stress in special circumstances at high altitude.
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll both retired from the Mexico City Grand Prix after five laps, and each was credited with just five laps. Soon after poor getaways, both drivers were told to lift off early to address cooling issues.
What happened in the race
Both cars were called into the pits at the end of Lap 3 to drop them out of the train and bring temperatures down. That did not work. Alonso was called back in to retire, while Stroll carried on until he was told to pull over and park.
What Honda said
Shintaro Orihara, Honda's trackside general manager and chief engineer, said the team had found that its ERS cooling circuit came under stress in special circumstances, and that when this happened the car stopped. He linked the problem to the high altitude in Mexico City. Racing laps had been fine, he said, but ERS management and driveability showed weak points that the team needs to fix for tracks of this kind. He added that the same problem had appeared in qualifying.
Aston Martin's view
Chief Trackside Officer Mike Krack said the pace Alonso showed in practice was encouraging, but that cooling had been a challenge from the start and throughout the weekend. Alonso said the team were learning hard lessons, and that a completely new engine, now being tested on the dyno, is due next year.
What we know so far
- Alonso and Stroll were both credited with five laps.
- Honda links the stops to stress on its ERS cooling circuit at high altitude.
- Honda said the same issue appeared in qualifying.
- Alonso said the team will take the lessons into next year.
