McLaren shareholder Mansour Ojjeh believes it is imperative the team returns to a competitive level with the new Renault-powered MCL33.
After three grinding seasons with Honda which led to a run of poor results for the British team, only managing to secure as high as sixth in the constructors' championship in 2016. Now powered by Renault there is hope for the team to push further up the grid in 2018.
"It’s imperative that McLaren looks to re-establish itself on the track this year," said Ojjeh, a member of McLaren Group's Executive Committee.
"Off-track, we have been working as strongly as ever: this year’s car is the result of a fantastic amount of teamwork and effort, of which we can be hugely proud.
"As ever, this formidable team keeps pushing itself forward, and I applaud everyone at McLaren for their relentless commitment to the mission."
After announcing the switch to Renault power at the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren was faced with a very tight turn-around in the design department to ensure the lead-times could be achieved to get the MCL33 ready for the new season on time.
Racing Director Eric Boullier is under no illusions how difficult it will be to push forward and break free of the tightly-competitive midfield pack and is prepared to come charging out of the blocks.
"I think the whole team feels proud of this car," added the Frenchman.
"The design, engineering and aerodynamic departments have done an incredible job delivering a new car with a new power unit in an extremely short timeframe. We never took the easy route or looked to shortcut a process or a solution and the result is a car that is neat and well-resolved.
"That said, we are under no illusions that it will be difficult to splinter the hegemony at the front; and that the midfield will be full of well-funded, experienced outfits with plenty to prove.
"We are humble about the challenge ahead, but feel we’ve prepared well, have a solid package that we can build upon and exploit as the season progresses, and have two excellent drivers who will make the difference in races.
"At McLaren, we are all racers pure and simple. We’re going to come out pushing, and we’re going to be racing as hard as ever."
