McLaren don’t believe their 2012 development for the MP4-27 will be harmed by the loss of a key aerodynamicist, John Illey.
The former-Ferrari engineer, who is currently on gardening leave for five months, will join Team Lotus next season to link up with former colleague, Mike Gascoyne.
When probed on whether Illey’s departure was a major loss for McLaren, team principal Martin Whitmarsh replied: “John looked after wind tunnel management. He wasn’t chief aerodynamicist.
“We are very comfortable we have good aerodynamics programme for next season.
“We are optimistic that we won’t make the same mistakes this winter as we did last time.”
The team retains chief aerodynamicist, Doug McKiernan, who has worked on every McLaren since the MP4-22.
