Boullier: McLaren is better structured

McLaren-Honda is still seeking its first points after the first four Grands Prix. If MP4-30 performance so far disappointing, the Woking team nevertheless manages to progress and intends to take advantage of the break preceding the start of the European season at the Spanish GP (May 10) to raise its level of play.

More McLaren's men had to work on new bases with the arrival of Honda… and the change in structure within the team. The British team’s objectives are therefore long-term.

“There have been big changes in our culture and philosophy,” explains Team Principal Éric Boullier. “There is now a clearly identified command at each level of the team… We no longer make “demands” of our staff anymore. They are now integrated and we share opinions and ideas. »

The Frenchman at the head of the McLaren-Honda team welcomes the progress made on the car which seems close to its first top ten even if reliability concerns still persist. “Staff feel more responsible. I think half of the developments didn't completely work last year. This year the number fell to 5 or 10%… We invested in new machines and optimized the old ones, which allows us to increase our production by 30%. The development cycle is lighter, faster and more flexible », specifies Éric Boullier.

Discover in the 2009 issue of AUTOhebdo available in digital version and on newsstands our tops & flops of the F1 commented by Jacques Villeneuve.