Boullier insists: We are on top of this

Eric Boullier has once again downplayed McLaren’s teething problems, adamant their issues are just a “part of the process.”

While Stoffel Vandoorne broke down three times on Tuesday, Fernando Alonso’s running was halted on Wednesday with just 47 laps on the board.

The Spaniard’s MCL33 suffered a “small oil leak” causing it to stop out on track, the morning’s only red flag.

And while that now brings McLaren’s tally to four issues in two days, racing director Boullier says they are not in a crisis.

Alonso is not expected to return to the track until mid-afternoon as the Renault engine is being changed.

“This is not engine related,” Boullier said of Wednesday’s stoppage at the Circuit de Catalunya.

“This is a small oil leak we had to the car which unfortunately meant the engine died, so we have to change the engine now.

“They want to obviously inspect the engine before putting some more miles on it.

“The car breaking down, yes, it’s testing, so we have some little issues which we have to fix, but it’s just testing.

“It’s part of the process. We are on top of this.

“It’s a new partnership with Renault, completely new packaging for the car as well.

“This is testing, give us time.”