I've read in a well-respected autosport-magazine (don't know the name out of my head) that McLaren used a mapping for the engine and an aerodynamic design of the rear end that the Honda engine constantly ran hotter than Honda wanted it to run. On one of the early test days of 2018 McLaren put on additional venting for the Renault engine. So McLaren finally couldn't blame the newcomer and has to dig in its own dirt.
In interviews from Toro Rosso you can read how good they work together with Honda, sth you never ever read from McLaren from day 1 since Honda is back. It seems as if McLaren has 'overdriven' or forced Honda to put it right while not seeing that they contributed to the problem. Pretty unfair for somone who puts 100 Mio. $ per season into a team and pays the driver who's always complaining. Alonso will never drive a Ferrari for the same reason again. McLaren is shot for me. I would be very glad if Toro Rosso gathers more points at the end of the season than McL.
I agree 100%....just saw a Video with Mark Genie that speak about the issues Mcl is having with the Renault power unit in the Mcl chassis. Also since Ron, departure this Team is heading in the work direction. On the other hand TR is doing really well during the Testing with the Honda Power unit. I also think that they will surprise a few down under next weekend .
I also believe that Alonso is on his last drive with a Top team, or have any chance winning any thing with Mcl.
Bram