Lando Norris has admitted he is moving closer to a potential grid penalty after using additional power unit components following reliability issues at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The McLaren driver suffered his first on-track stoppage of the weekend during the second free practice session, prompting the team to investigate the problem overnight.
McLaren subsequently broke curfew to diagnose and repair the issue ahead of the remainder of the weekend. However, Norris encountered further trouble during the race itself.
While the problem on Friday was related to the battery system, the failure that ultimately ended his grand prix was linked to the internal combustion engine.
Mercedes' power units have experienced a number of reliability concerns during the opening stages of the season, and Norris pointed to the difficulties encountered by Mercedes driver George Russell as evidence that the issue is not isolated to McLaren.
“I wouldn't say George is having the best season either,” Norris told media including RacingNews365.
“We just need to assess the struggles we have. I think Mercedes has had a fair share of issues. Oscar, less than me, and Kimi less than George. That's just the way it is sometimes.
“It's just sometimes, that's just life, nothing I can do. I just go out, I try and do the best I can, and that's all I can really achieve.”
The succession of engine changes for Norris has taken him to the limit of what can be used penalty-free, and another fresh engine in the back of his McLaren will mean a grid penalty.
“The problem for me, I'm on my third power unit already,” Norris added. “Any more, I'm taking penalties.
“Hopefully that's not the case, but I don't know what to expect nowadays. It seems like every weekend we have something.”
Norris called on Mercedes and McLaren to collaborate and ensure repeat failures do not occur going forward.
“But it's not just McLaren, it's Mercedes as well. Between HPP and McLaren we have to do a better job, because it's not good enough at the minute.”
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