McLaren resurgence has caught old guard by surprise

Former McLaren drivers Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo have conceded to being surprised by the Woking-based squad’s uptick in form across the last 12 months.

McLaren has enjoyed a strong run of results of late, winning two races this year and scoring several more podiums, lifting itself to second place in the constructors’ championship.

The upward trajectory began with a significant upgrade at last year’s Austrian Grand Prix, with continued development allowing it to pose a threat to Red Bull in the standings.

Sainz, who spent two seasons at McLaren, conceded he could not have forecast such a rapid rise to the front of the field.

“I wouldn't say I would have ever predicted it,” he told media including RacingNews365.

“I think when I left McLaren four years ago, I did have the feeling the team was going in the right way and it was a very good place to be and I enjoyed my time there.

“So, when I left, I left with a feeling that it was more maybe a matter of time. It was going to take them two years, four years, six years to be McLaren again, which we all know how much success they've had in history.

“But I do feel they were the right people at the time to lead that team towards the front of the field again.

“It took three to four years since I left. And especially this last year, I think, is when they've shown the real strength and the big steps, which have come in a very short amount of time, but very, very big.”

Ricciardo not envious of McLaren form

Ricciardo largely struggled at McLaren alongside Norris, but won a race for the team at the Italian Grand Prix in 2021.

While the team was in a largely different position during his time at the squad, the Australian asserts he does not look upon its current form with envy

“Obviously, most of my time there was a bit more of a struggle or a challenge,” he said. “So, look, did I predict this? I'm not going to say yes, because I don't think I did.

“So I guess from that point of view, it is a bit of a surprise that in two years, less than two years, they are probably currently the quickest package on the grid.

“But I also don't look at that like, ‘Oh man, like if only I could have had that’.

“That’s the sport, that's how it is. And I think as Carlos said before, you take your hat off to them.

“Anyone in this sport that's doing well and developing and making such a big step in a short amount of time, you have to compliment that.”