I would think saving fuel is more effective and thus important at the beginning of the race, than later, because on a heavier car, fuel consumption is higher due to the higher forces and weight. The other thing is; it being Canada, everyone was saving fuel - they all have their engine modes and deltas to manage tyres and fuel. Canada being a high risk circuit with likely safety car, everyone was probably banking on being able to save some fuel eventually during the race. This never happened. In McLaren-Hondas case, they are already short on power and reliability, so for them, it's even harder to save fuel because they are already pushing more to keep up and defend against others. This is where Alonso's frustration is coming from. The efficiency isn't there, and neither is power - so on a track like Canada, they are even more in trouble.Thunders wrote:And then the call to save even more Fuel in Lap 22 already..... Topped of with the Problems in the FP's and the double DNF in the Race it's a bitter Pill to swallow.
I feel sorry for Alonso. It wasn't nice hearing his frustration on the radio yesterday. Sadly, it doesn't help the team either - what it needs is clear headed focus and leadership, as anything else (including frustration) will only strain the already edgy partnership between Honda and McLaren. Just look at RedBull. McLaren is under a lot of pressure, as they are still in search of a major sponsor and this is now the 3rd year in succession where the team has severely underdelievered. Honda has less to lose, but they need a constructive, functional and working partnership if they are to improve and sort their issues. Now more than ever. Or else this partnership will be quicker over tthan one might think.