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McLaren's Fernando Alonso has confirmed that the British squad hasn't run with any upgrades since the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this year. The Woking outfit is having a miserable end to the season as it has slipped to be a firm backmarker on the grid.
McLaren started the year somewhat positively, with Alonso claiming fifth place in Australia - his best result since re-joining McLaren in 2015. But the team has since fallen spectacularly, making regular exits from Q1 and rare top ten finishes.
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"We have not had improvements since Spain," said Alonso. "We can see in photos and on the track that the rest of the teams in the middle zone bring things race to race and we do not. So the problem is not whether it's the same car from Sochi or not. Actually, we have the same car from last year - from 12 months ago.
As his F1 career is coming to a close, Alonso admits that he is focusing more on his World Endurance Championship duties: "In one world championship I'm trying to help the team to be sixth, in the other I am fighting to be world champion. There's no doubt where my goal is."
McLaren will run with a fresh line up in 2019, having already announced Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. It currently sits in sixth place in the constructor's championship, but faces the threat of being jumped by a resurging Force India before the end of the year.
Speaking about McLaren's outgoing Stoffel Vandoorne says it should be no surprise for McLaren to find itself where it currently is: "We did not really develop the car from Barcelona. Until then, we were still a little competitive. It's no surprise that we have not made progress."
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Replies (6)
Login to replytalktohenry
Posts: 362
Very surprising they have the funds, so even if they want to focus on next year, why stop as they need the money the points bring and keep sponsors happy - why would they give up so early as this is a team known for constant ongoing development?
jj284b
Posts: 22
because next year car will have completely different (simpler) front wing.. which will require different aero package.. there is no point developing this year car...
juju_hound
Posts: 180
The question mark is what exactly is the reason of not developing the car since such a long time. It's visible their pace went down since Monaco. Is it money or focusing on 2019 car so early?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Both, probably. McLaren doesnt have the wealth it used to have, and they've made it pretty apparent that this season and their car is one to forget for McLaren fans. And Brown's current reforms have shaken up the team quite a bit, so chances are they are too busy with focusing on restructuring and rebuilding the team, tha they have less time to focus on their current car.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
@Calle I agree. As painful as it is for fans, I think this is likely the best chance to move forward on the grid. Also, they more less salvaged the season with a decent start.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, though it should be noted that part of that salvation was down to luck and Alonso rather than McLaren's efforts. Im not a McLaren fan anymore, but I still wish them to be more than they are currently, and I think Brown is heading them down the correct path longterm. But I dont expect them to get anywhere decent within a few years. My concerns are that Renault might be trying to make them into their B-team.