More details about McLaren's technical leadership changes are becoming public as it has now become clear that Toro Rosso's highly valued technical director, James Key, is set to join McLaren in the same role.
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I really hope that the Renault can be competitive next year, if it is, not only will we see a competitive McLaren, but also bodes well as Red Bull and Renault themselves will be closer to the front runners. The factory Renault team has improved massively over last year where they could barely score points to being easily in the top 10.
Things are looking well for them, the new sponsorships will help funding to develop the car.
I think that McLaren has taken a very pragmatic approach, when 2017 started the car looked rather basic, and it was, because they spent a lot of time working on the fundamental chassis for these regulations. The chassis and general aero concept was very well developed, and the complexity was added as they verified their concepts. The results have been obvious with intricate details sprouting around the diffuser, bargeboards and front wing. This methodical way of developing the car may not make the fastest car at first, but it ensures that only steps forward are taken. Whereas if you start with a more complex car it becomes increasingly harder to take steps forward as it takes more time to validate the increased complexity.
If the engine is competitive, Alonso will be able to fight for wins, if the engine isn't on the same level he may still get podiums and have nice battles with Renault and Red Bull. I do think the McLaren aero is on par with Red Bull.
To me the aero concept of Mclaren and Renault are very similar. Both producing high downforce at the expense of top speed. Renault have made significant strides this year and if you take Cyril's words they think they will be challenging Mclaren next year if not better. Redbull aero seems superior to both teams. The Mclaren chassis seems to be better balanced than Renault but now that Renault know the suspension settings of all teams i feel they can produce some very good next year. I expect Mclaren to be fighting with Renault nect year.
OP low key trolling with that gif of TR beating McLaren.
"Explain the ending to F1 in football terms"
"Hamilton was beating Verstappen 7-0, then the ref decided F%$& rules, next goal wins
while also sending off 4 Hamilton players to make it more interesting"
“We have signed two sponsors that we haven’t announced yet so I think people can expect to see more great brands on the McLaren race car next year.”
I heard Tampax is one of them.
"Explain the ending to F1 in football terms"
"Hamilton was beating Verstappen 7-0, then the ref decided F%$& rules, next goal wins
while also sending off 4 Hamilton players to make it more interesting"
The Santander UK deal was primarily with Button and Hamilton, hence why it has ended now Jenson has officially left the team. The original Spanish Santander deal, which Ferrari are losing, was linked to Alonso. Hopefully the UK deal is making way for a new Spanish one? Probably not looking at Santanders new huge Champions League sponsorship deal.