Andreas Seidl, team principal of the Mclaren Racing Formula 1 team, is already excited ahead of their 2021 reunion with Mercedes and has praised the professionalism of their new engine suppliers. Two of the biggest teams in F1 enjoyed a successful spell together from 1995 to 2014 in which they captured three drivers’ and one constructors’ championship and, after going their separate ways at the conclusion of the 2014 season, will pick up where they left off in 2021. It’s a lot of work, but Seidl is impressed by what he’s seen. "We are very well on schedule," Seidl told F1 Insider. "You have to remember that we’re getting a new engine partner in Mercedes. That means a lot of work in the rear end." Mercedes, and indeed their engines, have been in a league of their own since the beginning of the turbo-hybrid era, capturing seven consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ title. And McLaren’s Seidl has already been impressed by the Brackley-based squad’s professionalism. "It’s super professional how they work," Seidl continued. "Really impressive. In the end, though, you never really know where you stand until the first test drive. On paper, it looks like we’re stronger." Indeed, after making further strides in 2020 which culminated in a third-place finish in the constructors’ championship, the switch from Renault to Mercedes power can only aid their assault up the grid. But Seidl is also buoyed by the drivers that will be starring in the papaya colours in 2021. "We’ve made further improvements to the drivers," Seidl added. "Lando Norris is a year more experienced and with Daniel Ricciardo we have a driver who has already proven several times that he can win races." After a period of mediocrity with Honda, nobody is sleeping on the McLaren threat anymore, with Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto recently expressing his belief that they will make a big step, and AlphaTauri's team principal Franz Tost is in agreement. “Mercedes still has the strongest and best engine, let’s not kid ourselves about that,” Tost said. “McLaren will benefit from that.”
Most read
