McLaren is back in color for Brazil

McLaren painfully won the tenth place point with Fernando Alonso at the Mexican GP two weeks ago while Stoffel Vandoorne arrived in 12th place. This result did not allow the Woking team to reduce its gap on Haas F1 Team which still has a 23-point lead with two Grands Prix remaining at the end of the season.

For the Brazilian GP played this weekend on the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo, McLaren is nevertheless reasonably confident about its prospects for a good result.

“This circuit should suit our car well unlike the last two tracks encountered, confirms Fernando Alonso. We hope to take advantage of all the potential available in qualifying because a good place on the grid is very important in a race where anything can happen. After the USA and Mexico, we approach Brazil and Abu Dhabi with a little more expectation because we knew that these circuits were going to be complicated for us. Mexico was a surprise because we were better than expected. »

Stoffel Vandoorne will once again have to quickly get his bearings since he will be participating in this event for the first time.

“As with all circuits, I did significant preparation with my engineers on the simulator. So I feel completely ready when Friday morning arrives and I am already comfortable with the route and the settings. I can, like Fernando, give feedback with maximum information to my team from FP1”, insists the Belgian.

McLaren Team Principal Éric Boullier nevertheless remembers the many races disrupted by the weather which often plays a major role in the weekend.

“It’s one of those races where anything can happen, underlines the Frenchman. This makes the weekend all the more difficult for mechanics, engineers and strategists. Changing conditions can often make this circuit unforgivable. The difference between a good and a bad result often rests on the choice of the strategists. »