Second successive Belgian DNS "difficult for Carlos to take" - Seidl

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has revealed that Carlos Sainz's failure to start the Belgian Grand Prix for the second straight year had proven difficult for him to take.

Just as last year, a problem with the Renault power unit prevented Sainz from competing at Spa-Francorchamps.

The problem manifested itself on the Spaniard's second installation lap to the grid, when a trail of smoke could be seen exiting the rear of his MCL35.

Even before the anthems and pre-race procedures, Sainz was out of his race suit and accepting of his fate.

“Obviously it is difficult for Carlos to take something like today," said the McLaren boss.

"It’s the second year in a row now where he cannot even start the race in Spa. Obviously a big disappointment for him.

“It’s no different for us, for the team, but in the end, that’s unfortunately part of racing as well to a certain degree.

"It’s important to keep to the facts, analyse whenever something is going wrong, what happened, try to learn from it and try to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.

“The good thing is there is always next week and we go racing again, and hopefully we can make up for it.”

Seidl had recently heralded Renault as prior to this race McLaren had suffered no problems and had a 100 per cent finishing record. Now he is left hoping the damage to the power unit is not too severe.

“Obviously, we need to wait now for the analysis from Renault’s side on the specific issue," added Seidl.

"In the end, we saw that it was an internal issue on the power unit side which then, as a consequence, damaged the rear of the car, including the exhaust.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing for Carlos, for us not to be able to start the race, but it is what it is. We simply need to wait now for the analysis. Also in terms of the consequences.

“We need to see if there is any chance to recover this power unit or if it’s a terminal failure.”

Before you go...

Russell: Belgian GP shunt the "biggest crash I have had"

Wolff clarifies Mercedes rules of engagement after Bottas "miscommunication"

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Lewis Hamilton delivers powerful F1 statement lamenting 'horrendous' Ferrari year

• 11 minutes ago

F1 News Today: Brundle snubbed by Kim Kardashian as Monaco Grand Prix descends into farce

• 56 minutes ago

Lewis Hamilton blows a kiss to Kim Kardashian as F1 star basks in Monaco Grand Prix glory

• Yesterday 22:56

When is the next F1 race? Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix schedule and details for 2026

• Yesterday 22:12

F1 champion Lando Norris suffers Monaco curse

• Yesterday 21:44

F1 Monaco Grand Prix 2026 results: Final classification after late penalties applied

• Yesterday 21:10