Honda have confirmed that Fernando Alonso's retirement from his home grand prix in Spain was caused by a software issue, rather than anything more serious.

The Spaniard had been lapping P12 behind team-mate Jenson Button - who went on to finish ninth - when he pulled off the circuit reporting a loss of power.

Many assumed Alonso's power unit may have failed, but Honda's Yusuke Hasegawa has confirmed it was nothing serious and they believe no damage was caused to his engine.

"Fernando’s retirement was caused by a software command issue that stopped the ICE," he explained.

"We think that the power unit as a whole is not damaged from this incident, but we will continue to investigate the effects of this stop.

"Obviously we will work with the team to see how this kind of situation can be avoided in the races going forward."

Racing director Eric Boullier believes it likely cost them a second-consecutive double points finish after a decent points haul in Russia a fortnight ago.

"Disappointingly for the local fans, Fernando was unable to score points today, owing to a software command issue that stopped the ICE. Until that moment he’d been driving hard and well, and, but for the problem that ended his race, may well have also finished inside the top 10."

“There an awful lot of similarities from when Sebastian joined the team,” said Horner, who oversaw Vettel’s four consecutive championship triumphs between 2010 and 2013.

“The mechanics were telling me that even the way he gets in the car is similar, the same side, and the way he pulls his knee up to get in the chassis. But he’s his own man as well and he’s a very together young guy. You’d never think he was 18.

“He’s been quick, measured and mature. He’s defended incredibly well against a seasoned pro like Kimi and to score his first grand prix victory, becoming the youngest victor on his debut for the team, is fairytale stuff.”