It is almost certain that both drivers will have to take the additional sanction of a stop-go penalty at the start of the race because they will be unable to serve the full grid penalty.
Button, who has remained upbeat despite the team’s woes, was also given a penalty in Canada, but even this is worse than that miserable weekend in Montreal.
The new Honda president, Takahiro Hachigo, arrived here today to watch the debacle unfold. Alonso could not even make it through morning practice without his McLaren-Honda breaking down. The two-time champion stopped on the pit straight with half an hour remaining.
“We have to sacrifice some weekends,” said Alonso. “This is one, and there are more to come, but if we learn things that will be very useful it’s OK.”
Red Bull are also taking penalties for changing engines at their home race, with a 10-place grid drop for both of their drivers. The sanction is less than McLaren because it is calculated by how many components of the engine – including the complicated hybrid systems – that need to be changed.
Christian Horner watches Red Bull in Friday practice
Both teams have exceeded the four engines that are allowed for the season after just seven races. They will face further penalties throughout the year as they go onto engine number six, seven, and so on.
The heavens then opened ahead of what is likely to be a wet qualifying. Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton face a stern challenge from Ferrari for pole position.