McLaren is one of the biggest names in F1, but have struggled to live up to it over the last few years. Their last Title win came in 2008 when Lewis Hamilton won it for them, but since then, they have struggled on multiple aspects.
2020 and 2021 promised huge things for McLaren, with the team finishing P3 and P4 in the Championship respectively. They were back to competing for podium places and were a regular feature in the points. In fact, Daniel Ricciardo guided them to their first race win since 2012 at the 2021 Italian GP.
2022, however, saw the team take a dip in form and performance. Their car was not as fast anymore, and Ricciardo’s poor results did not help them in their fight for P4 with Alpine. Towards the end of the year, their turbulent off track situation escalated which began with the sacking of Ricciardo. Another huge blow they will have to deal with is the departure of Andreas Seidl who had been a highly acclaimed team principal for the team.
When will McLaren release their 2023 Formula 1 car?
McLaren signed a young and exciting Oscar Piastri to replace Ricciardo ahead of the 2023 season. Piastri is often regarded as a Champion in the making, having been immensely successful throughout his junior career.
They head into the 2023 campaign with more optimism, and it begins with their car launch that will take place on the 13th of February, 2023. New team principal Andrea Stella will be hoping for a stronger performance from the entire outfit this season. Team CEO Zak Brown insisted that the team will aim to finish P4 once again this season.
This is mainly because Brown feels it is impossible to mov ahead of Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes.
Will Lando Norris extend his contract?
One of the talking points during the off-season was of Norris’ situation at McLaren. The young Brit started his journey with McLaren in 2019, and he insists he wants to win a Championship with the Surrey-based outfit.
He is contracted to them until the 2025 season. However, their poor performance in 2022 did not show a lot of promise for the near future, which may put doubts in Norris’ head. The likes of Red Bull or even Mercedes may be keeping an eye out for Norris, who will be an incredibly valuable asset for any team he is a part of.
