McLaren owe their turnaround in pace to Adrian Newey after they copied Red Bull’s exhaust system for the Australian Grand Prix, that’s the view of Newey himself.
McLaren seemingly struggled for pace during pre-season testing, but a decision to ditch their complicated ‘octopus’ design, instead opting for one similar to Red Bull, saw the Woking team suddenly second quickest.
“McLaren made a huge leap forward – by copying our exhaust, it has to be said,” the Red Bull design guru told the audience at the RAC Club in London where he collected the prestigious Segrave Trophy.
“But the bottom line is they still made huge leaps forward. I am sure they will be pushing us hard,” added the former McLaren designer.
“We think it works for us. It seems it also works for McLaren. It’s a form of flattery but it’s a bit of a pain if they then beat you with it.”
McLaren may not be the only ones to copy Red Bull’s exhaust layout with Williams openly admitting that they too are hoping to have similar system on there car by the Chinese GP.
Newey was in London to pick-up the Segrave trophy which is named after the late Henry Segrave. Anyone who’s achievements are deemed on par with the holder of the 1920 land and water speed record is put forward for the award.
“To receive such an illustrious and distinguished trophy like this, it almost sends shivers down my spine when I look at the names that have received it in the past … I feel very honoured,” he added.
Past winners have icluded; Malcolm and Donald Campbell, Stirling Moss, Bruce McLaren, Jackie Stewart, Barry Sheene, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Lewis Hamilton.
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