“We are aware of the challenge”- McLaren aware of power unit shift to Mercedes challenge

“We are aware of the challenge”- McLaren ready for the obstacles set to come with the shift to Mercedes’ power unit from this year onwards.

McLaren in 2021 has stepped up their challenge for 2021, with the eyes set to replicate the P3 of 2020, as they have now opted for arguably the best power unit in Formula 1- Mercedes.

However, with chassis regulations and limited testing this year, the Woking-based team has limitations while adapting to the new system’s configurations, posing extra challenges, and McLaren is ready to battle against it.

Team principal Andreas Seidl said, as quoted by GPFans: “Obviously, we are aware of the challenge we are in at the moment especially given the limited testing that takes place in Formula 1 and the lateness of the official test.

“But, I have to say, with everything I have seen so far, I am confident we will be ready for the test and the first race. We have seen, especially in these difficult circumstances under this pandemic, some great teamwork between our guys and the guys from Mercedes in Brixworth.”

“But at the same time, it is also clear that switching power unit over the winter has been a big challenge, and we are aware of the potential issues that could bring with it going into this first test.”

“But we have a lot of experience in changing power unit recently. The Mercedes guys are very experienced as well, so I feel prepared.”

We are learning from Mercedes.

Given the testing limitations in Bahrain and the McLaren duo recently taking out their MCL35M for a few rounds at the Silverstone earlier this month, it is still insufficient to adapt. Still, Seidl confessed that Mercedes would be with them for the first few races to make them accommodate.

“For the first races we will go into together with Mercedes, that it is a new partnership, we will learn together especially during these first race weekends when the pressure is up for the first time to deliver,” he said.

“It’s simply a process you can’t shortcut, but we were aware of that when deciding to go for Mercedes. I am looking forward to that challenge, and I’m sure we will be able to manage that challenge together.”

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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