McLaren, “considerable work to be done”

Discreet during winter testing, if not transparent, the stable McLaren raised his head in a very fine manner in Melbourne, during the opening round of the world championship of Formula 1 2011. Lewis Hamilton took the second step of the podium, and his teammate Jenson Button took the checkered flag in sixth position after receiving a penalty. However, on the Woking side, caution is required.

“We are very happy with the performance of our car although we did not win the race, concedes Managing Director Jonathan Neal. We are working very hard for the next races so that Lewis (Hamilton) and Jenson (Button) are able to qualify on the front row. I think there is still a considerable amount of work to be done. »

It is true that Red Bull still seems a cut above the rest of the pack. However, we did not expect to see McLaren ahead Mercedes GP and Ferrari. But at McLaren, we are keeping a close eye on these two teams, who will be keen to shine after their respective poor performances in Melbourne.

“However, we do not think for a single minute that we have seen the best of Ferrari or Mercedes, continues Jonathan Neal. We've all been watching each other during winter testing, and I'm absolutely sure that both of these teams still have a lot to give. »

Find in your AUTO magazinehebdo, on newsstands tomorrow, an exclusive interview with Martin Whitmarsh, the team principal of the McLaren team.