McLaren has become the latest team to take the wraps off its 2019 Formula 1 challenger, the Renault-powered MCL34.
The British-based team is regarding 2019 as a fresh start and the first phase of its long-term ambition to return to the front of the Formula 1 pack, after a chastening 2018 campaign.
McLaren split from Honda in a bid to improve its competitive placing but its alliance with Renault prompted deep-rooted self-reflection that led to a technical overhaul and a restructuring of its organisation.
Zak Brown remains as McLaren’s CEO but it has hired Andreas Seidl from Porsche to run the Formula 1 team, while James Key is to act as Technical Director once his period of gardening leave expires.
McLaren has also undergone a complete overhaul of its driver line-up after the retirement of Fernando Alonso – who remains linked with the team through its Indianapolis 500 project – and the exit of Stoffel Vandoorne.
In their place have come Carlos Sainz Jr., who joins after spending four seasons competing for Toro Rosso and Renault, and long-term junior Lando Norris, who finished runner-up in Formula 2 last year.
Brazilian Sérgio Sette Câmara will act as the team’s reserve driver, replacing the promoted Norris.
.jpg)
