Martin Whitmarsh Eager To Return To Winning Ways

Martin Whitmarsh is hopeful that McLaren can return to their winning ways this year, after a disastrous start to the new season for the Woking-based outfit. Since Lewis Hamilton’s departure during the winter period to Mercedes, McLaren has entered an uncompetitive streak that has left them without a single podium finish so far this season.

This time last season, McLaren had already secured one race victory and four further podium finishes. This amounted to 92 points, only nine behind Red Bull. This season has so far been a completely different story for the Woking-based outfit, who have so far scored a meager 23 points. Both Jenson Button and Sergio Perez have contributed to that tally, however the team’s overall lack of pace has been largely down to their MP4-28, which has been a frustrating and stark step back from their 2012 machine.

However, team principal Martin Whitmarsh is confident the team can return to their former glory. Admittedly a Championship challenge is now highly unlikely, especially with Red Bull, Lotus and Ferrari’s competitive starts to the season. Despite McLaren’s disappointing start to the season, Whitmarsh is eager to see his team at least return to the podium in future races.

“The truth is I just want to see us getting back on the podium and getting on the top step.” Explained Martin Whitmarsh, in an interview with Sky Sports F1 after the Bahrain Grand Prix. “I am thinking more about that and it is one step at a time. I didn’t enjoy all of the race today, but I enjoyed quite a lot of it which is nice, but going racing when you don’t think you can win is not something that I enjoy particularly. I want to get back to the point where we are arriving on a Thursday with the anticipation that ‘we can win this weekend’. That is where we have to get to.”

During the Bahrain Grand Prix, the McLaren duo of Jenson Button and Sergio Perez fought extremely hard between each other. The Mexican ace, who has replaced Lewis Hamilton at the team, almost collided with his team-mate on numerous occasions, however Martin Whitmarsh firmly believes it was the right thing to do to let the two race against each other, despite Jenson Button’s comments over the radio.

“I have told him [Perez] that one of the maneuvers was beyond what is acceptable, but he is a young guy and I want him to enjoy the moment and enjoy what he did on Sunday with some really spirited driving.” Continued Martin Whitmarsh, “I had a lot of people telling me to ‘stop this, stop this it is hurting us,’ but I didn’t and I think we have already seen a few times this season that if you don’t then the guy behind is always going to think he was faster. It can go horribly wrong, but I think in the long-term it was the best thing to do and let both of the guys know they are racing each other. Some of the driving was marginal between the two of them but that is what happens when you let your drivers race.”

McLaren will be hoping that their upgrade package scheduled for the Spanish Grand Prix next time out will enable the team to continue progressing, after a mediocre start to the new season. McLaren are unaccustomed to such uncompetitiveness in the sport, and will unquestionably return to their renowned strength as the season progresses. However, Championship glory is as good as over for both Jenson Button and Sergio Perez, however the duo will continue striving for victories at every available opportunity.

Picture Copyright © McLaren F1 Team

Jenson Button & Paul di Resta Positive Towards Pirelli’s Tyres

Amid controversy surrounding Pirelli’s 2013 tyre range, Jenson Button and Paul di Resta have explained how they believe the Italian supplier’s new range has had a positive impact on the sport. Throughout the opening three races, “tyres” has been mentioned incessantly as the grid has struggled to understand the new range.

However, Jenson Button in particular has explained how he thinks the opening three races of the new season have been extremely entertaining, despite the Briton’s lack of decent results after McLaren’s woeful start to their 2013 campaign. Last time out in China, the 2009 World Champion opted for a two-stop strategy which enabled him to progress from 8th to 5th during the 56-lap race. There is no question that the Pirelli tyres have contributed to a lot more overtaking in recent races, however some fans have been divided in their opinions on whether this is good or bad for the sport.

“I think there’s been a lot of overtaking.” Explained Jenson Button, in defense of Pirelli who have received lots of negativity in recent weeks. “You know, we’re never going to be happy with everything in this sport or in any sport but I think the racing has been good fun. I was on the receiving end of most of it at the last race, because obviously doing less stops you’re running old tyres most of the time, so there’s people overtaking you most of the time. So it’s not the enjoyable part of it for me, but I think if you were doing a three-stop strategy at the last race it was a fun race. They seemed like they were able to push pretty hard.

“In the past we had tyres that would last the whole race and there wasn’t any overtaking. It’s very difficult to get the correct balance. But we’re having two or three stops which I think is what the idea was for racing in 2013 so that’s good and there are a lot of teams fighting at the front. I think Formula One’s great at the moment. I’m really enjoying racing.”

Paul di Resta has also spoken out in defence of Pirelli’s 2013 range of tyres.

Paul di Resta also believes Pirelli’s unpredictable tyres are having a positive impact on the sport, with midfield team’s such as Force India able to punch well above their weight as the tyres level the playing field. During the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Adrian Sutil led 11 laps during the race after starting the race from 12th on the grid. Last season teams such as Sauber and Williams reaped the rewards of the unpredictability caused by the tyres, something Paul di Resta and Force India are keen to do this season.

“I see it as a very positive thing in the position that we are as a team, midfield, where Jenson’s fighting at the moment.” Said Paul di Resta, “Obviously we’re trying to take it to them, but being unpredictable gives you chances. Equally, when you see the big guys at the front, putting a load through the tyres in qualifying, it plays into our hands towards the end of stints. At the end of a Grand Prix, that’s valuable points for us and if you can take a gamble and it pays off, like the position we were in last year, we definitely didn’t have a car that deserved to be sixth but we got ourselves to do that and went away with some very big success. That leads momentum into other Grands Prix.”

It’s unquestionable that Pirelli has injected much more action and excitement into the sport in recent years, irregardless of the complaints throughout the paddock in recent weeks. Naturally those teams’ and drivers’ who would usually fail to score points on a regular basis are going to sing the praises of Pirelli, in a sport which now has more emphasis than ever before on strategy.

Picture(s) Copyright © Getty Images

Jenson Button Would Be Surprised To Qualify Within The Top Ten

Jenson Button has explained how he would be both surprised and happy to qualify within the top ten for the Australian Grand Prix, after the 2009 World Champion suffered a lackluster opening day to the weekend. The Briton ended both sessions 9th and 11th respectively, with new team-mate Sergio Perez doing no better.

After a tough winter period for the Woking-based outfit, which has seen the team loose several high quality members of the team including Lewis Hamilton and Paddy Lowe, many predicted that McLaren may well struggle during the early stages of the new season. However, whilst Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes impressed greatly during the opening session, the McLaren duo of Jenson Button and Sergio Perez struggled in the midfield.

With many perplexed as to the cause of McLaren’s lack of pace, Martin Whitmarsh confirmed that the outfit should be worried about their pace. The new MP4-28 is apparently lacking in grip, therefore causing many worried faces within the McLaren camp. The team ended 2012 with a stunning victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix, however such successes seem an long way away after their showing in the opening two practice sessions.

“I think we should be worried about the pace,” explained Martin Whitmarsh to Sky Sports F1. “It is a tough day in the office for everyone at the moment, we are lacking grip and there is a lot of head scratching at the moment, but certainly we are lacking pace. I think we are still learning and there is a lot we still need to learn about this car. But we have struggled frankly to quite understand how it is performing – understanding the tyres and the car. As of today we are still undoubtedly struggling and that is something we need to gather good information on and work through it this weekend.”

Jenson Button feels that progressing through to the top ten shootout on Saturday could prove rather difficult for the Woking-based outfit, and has therefore disclosed that he will be both surprised and happy should he managed to do so. However, with the tyres looking more consistent that during testing, the Briton is expecting a two-pit stop strategy during the race, instead of the feared four-stops predicted during testing.

“There is still quite a lot of work to do for us. It felt a bit like last year, just a lot slower.” Said Jenson Button, after the first two sessions. “It seems that from the balance point of view we have the same problem as we had last year. Generally I would be both surprised and happy if we were in the top ten in qualifying tomorrow. For sure it is not the place from which we would want to start a season, but all is not lost yet. The positive thing that we are taking out of the two practice sessions is that the tyres are a lot more consistent than we thought they would be. So I assume that it will not be a four-pit stop race, but rather a two-stop race.”

Last season saw McLaren and Jenson Button storm to victory during the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, however it looks very much like the new season will not start in the same fashion this weekend for the Woking-based outfit. The team is visibly struggling to understand their car, and the likes of Red Bull, Ferrari and Lotus look much more confident and quicker around the circuit. As was predicted by the team prior to the weekend, McLaren will likely be satisfied with a points finish during the race.

Picture Copyright © McLaren F1 Team

McLaren To Switch Back To Honda Power?

Rumors linking McLaren and Honda have resurfaced within the Formula 1 paddock, amid speculation over future engine suppliers once the sport enters the new era of engine regulations in 2014. Next year, the sport will introduce turbo-charged V6s with energy recovery systems, replacing the current specification.

After leaving the sport in 2008 due to the uncompetitive results of its F1 team, Honda decided to pull the plug on its continuation in the sport. This proved a bad decision, as the outfit was then rebranded as Brawn GP and stormed to a sensational Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship campaign with Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. However, the recent rumors have suggested that the Japanese marque would only return as a supplier and not as a standalone outfit.

Currently there are four engine suppliers in Formula 1 with Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Cosworth. Next season it is understood that Cosworth will not design a 2014-spec engine for Marussia, which is expected to force the Banbury-based outfit to opt for another engine supplier. Due to the team’s recent appointment of Jules Bianchi, many expect the Anglo-Russian outfit to enter a partnership with Ferrari in 2014.

However, such a partnership is understandably unthinkable for McLaren, with the two teams’ rivalry stretching back several decades in the sport. A switch to Renault engines is also out of the question, with the French marque currently supplying reigning Champions Red Bull and openly against providing for further teams’ on the grid. This leaves only Mercedes, McLaren’s current and long-standing engine supplier, however the marque is understandably eager to direct all major development to the works team, especially with the recent appointment of McLaren protege Lewis Hamilton.

This has therefore sparked recurring rumors that McLaren could enter a new partnership with Honda, one which brought both outfits’ huge successes throughout the late-80s and early-90s when Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost drove for McLaren. Last month Honda added fuel to the rumor mill by stating they were pondering a return to Formula 1 as an engine supplier once again. Should McLaren strike the deal with Honda, this could see them end up as the sole team supplied by the Japanese marque, unless Marussia opt to strengthen their McLaren partnership and use Honda engines as well.

However, McLaren’s team principal Martin Whitmarsh has since played down the rumors linking the Woking-based outfit to Honda power in the future, stating that McLaren are contracted to Mercedes until 2015. Although Martin Whitmarsh has denied a future with Honda, he does believe further engine suppliers are required in F1.

“What I can tell you is we have a contract with a long-standing partner, Mercedes-Benz, for 2013, 2014 and 2015,” explained Martin Whitmarsh to Sky Sports F1’s Natalie Pinkham. “So we have a contract, they’re our partners and we’re going to try and win World Championships and races with them. We’ve got a good and long-standing commitment to Mercedes-Benz, that’s what we’re focused on right now.

“In the longer term who knows what’s going to happen? We’re delighted to be partnering Mercedes-Benz. They’ve done, certainly in the last few years, a fantastic job and we’ve won a lot of races together and we’re going to try and win quite a few more in the next few years.”

McLaren’s future in terms of an engine supplier will unquestionably remain a hot topic within the paddock, especially as such a partnership sparks a nostalgia within many who remember the glory days of Prost and Senna. However, it will be interesting to see a McLaren powered by Mercedes battling towards the front of the grid alongside the Mercedes works team in recent years to come.

Picture Copyright © McLaren F1 Team

Tim Goss Appointed McLaren Technical Director, Paddy Lowe To Mercedes

It has been confirmed that McLaren have appointed former Director of Engineering Tim Goss to the position of Technical Director, in a move which will eventually see Paddy Lowe leave the outfit and most likely join Mercedes to further strengthen their technical line-up. This comes amid continued speculation over Paddy Lowe’s career in Formula 1.

Over the past few months since the end of the 2012 season, Mercedes have undergone numerous alterations in their technical and management line-up. With the German marque eager to battle nearer the front of the pack in the coming seasons’, the likes of Ross Brawn and Niki Lauda have been joined by Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff over the winter period. For several weeks rumors have been circulating the F1 paddock that Paddy Lowe could be the next the join Mercedes, which would see him leave McLaren.

Paddy Lowe looks set to join Mercedes in 2014.

With only several weeks remaining until the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, it seems those rumors have come true as McLaren have formerly appointed a new Technical Director in Timo Goss, with the outfit also confirming that Paddy Lowe will leave the outfit after the 2013 season. This announcement ties in exceptionally well with the rumors that Paddy Lowe will join Mercedes next season, to further strengthen their technical line-up in preparation for the many regulation changes.

Back at McLaren, Tim Goss will work alongside the likes of Jonathan Neale and Sam Michael in overseeing the technical side of the Woking-based outfit. Although Jenson Button once said he would be sad to see Paddy Lowe leave the outfit, Martin Whitmarsh is fully behind the new appointment of Tim Goss and believes his “unrivaled expertise” in F1 car design will see the team continue to move forward.

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Tim on his new position, which, after more than 20 years of exceptional service for McLaren, he richly deserves.” Explained Martin Whitmarsh, “His quiet and unassuming persona conceals a fierce competitiveness and a wealth of experience, coupled to an unrivaled level of expertise in the field of Formula 1 car design and engineering. I firmly believe that our technical and engineering team is the best in the F1 business, and that its strength in depth has always been and will continue to be an important element of our on-track success. Moreover, I’m certain that, in his expanded role, Tim will continue to lead it very capably indeed, and will evolve and improve it. That’s his brief, and it’s already clear that he’s prepared to embrace it with energy and enthusiasm.

“Paddy [Lowe] will be performing a different role within McLaren until the end of the year. He’s been a good and successful F1 Technical Director, and we wish him well when he embarks on a fresh challenge in 2014.”

Tim Goss joined McLaren in 1990 as their Development Engineer and has since remained a pivotal member of the outfit’s engineering and technical line-up, which led to his car design operations in recent years for the team. His promotion within the team, which has immediate effect, will see him oversee the team’s technical operations trackside with the likes of Sam Michael and Martin Whitmarsh. Tim Goss is understandably thrilled in becoming the team’s Technical Director, and is eager to continue assisting McLaren’s competitiveness at the front.

“I’m delighted to have been offered the Technical Directorship of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes – one of the most prestigious positions in global sport – and I’m greatly looking forward to making a significant contribution to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ ongoing success in that role.” Enthused Tim Goss, “As before, I’ll be leading our car design operations, while continuing the process of evolving and improving our technical and engineering function in collaboration with Martin [Whitmarsh], Jonathan [Neale], Sam [Michael], Neil [Oatley] and the rest of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ hugely experienced technical and engineering team.”

Niki Lauda has insisted that Ross Brawn will stay at Mercedes.

With Paddy Lowe set the join Mercedes for 2014, many within the world of Formula 1 believe that Ross Brawn’s role within the outfit could be in doubt. However, the marque’s Non-Executive Chairman Niki Lauda has dismissed these rumors and has insisted that Ross Brawn will continue his role within the team whether Paddy Lowe joins the team or not. Lauda has explained how there has been no discussion within Mercedes regarding Ross Brawn leaving the outfit, and that he remains highly motivated in his position.

“I must tell you that I know Ross really well, I work with him everyday, he is highly motivated and there is no question about it,” explained Niki Lauda to Sky Sports News. “There is no discussion at all that he will leave. He is committed and he is in charge of the whole team so let’s wait and see what he can do.”

Despite the many changes within Mercedes ahead of the new season, including Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at the marque, many still do not believe they will be able to challenge for race victories on a regular basis. The team themselves know it could be another tough year, but they will understandably be hoping the fruits of their labour will be evident next season and beyond once the drastically new engine regulations come into force.

Picture(s) Copyright © McLaren F1 Team, Getty Images & Mercedes AMG Petronas

Sergio Perez Reigns Supreme On Day Two At Barcelona Test

Sergio Perez has ended the second day of the Barcelona test fastest for McLaren, as the Mexican driver continues to find his feet at the Woking-based outfit. The youngster was followed home by reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel, with the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton a distant 3rd.

Day two of the Barcelona test dawned in cold yet sunny weather conditions for the eleven Formula 1 teams up and down the paddock, as a slightly revised driver line-up prepared to take to the Circuit de Catalunya. Lewis Hamilton was scheduled to make his first appearance of the week at Mercedes, with Nico Hulkenberg and Valtteri Bottas doing likewise at their respective outfits. Once the track turned green, Charles Pic and Max Chilton became the first drivers to take to the circuit, with many others following suit to carry out their installation laps.

The first timed lap of the day was set by the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton, who produced a 01:28.723 early on. The 2008 World Champion continued to improve at the top, eventually working his way down to a 01:27.563. However, his McLaren successor Sergio Perez soon rose to the top setting a 01:26.294. Just like the Briton before him, Perez was able to improve upon his time at the top with a 01:25.481. As the morning session wore on, Lewis Hamilton began trading fastest times at the top with the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel.

Eventually the reigning World Champion asserted his authority by setting a 01:22.197, with Sergio Perez slotting into 2nd position for McLaren +0.546 seconds off the German’s pace. Sebastian Vettel’s time at the top remained unchallenged for the remainder of the morning period, with the German eventually entering the lunch hour fastest. Once the track action had been resumed after the lunch interval, Nico Hulkenberg became the first driver to take to the Circuit de Catalunya for Sauber.

Although the majority of the field had completed considerable mileage throughout the morning period, Kimi Raikkonen had endured a quiet second day for Lotus. The reasons behind this became apparent in the afternoon when the Enstone-based outfit confirmed that the Finn’s E21 had been struck with a gearbox issue, and that the team were currently changing the gearbox. This therefore accounted for the 2007 World Champion’s inactivity throughout the morning period.

Sergio Perez rose to the top for McLaren once again, with the Mexican ace setting a 01:21.848. After several hours of idleness for Kimi Raikkonen, the Finn finally returned to the track several hours into the afternoon period, with the Iceman shooting straight to 3rd fastest with a 01:22.697. Amazingly the entire morning period passed by without a red flag delay, however reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel brought proceedings to a momentary halt during the afternoon after the German came to a halt at the end of the pit-lane.

The session was quickly resumed as the German’s car was returned to Red Bull’s garage, with six drivers immediately taking to the track including Sergio Perez and Kimi Raikkonen. Despite many drivers taking to the track with only several minutes remaining in the day, the second day was brought to a premature end when the Marussia of Max Chilton stopped between Turns 12 and 13. This therefore saw Sergio Perez end the day fastest for McLaren, ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

Tomorrow will once again see several driver changes up and down the paddock, including Nico Rosberg’s return behind the wheel of the Mercedes W04, Mark Webber replacing Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button at McLaren and the return of Adrian Sutil at Force India.

Today's times

Pos  Driver             Team          Time       Gap     Laps  Tyre
 1.  Sergio Perez       McLaren       1m21.848s           97   Soft
 2.  Sebastian Vettel   Red Bull      1m22.197s  +0.349   84   Soft
 3.  Kimi Raikkonen     Lotus         1m22.697s  +0.849   43   Medium
 4.  Lewis Hamilton     Mercedes      1m22.726s  +0.878   121  Hard
 5.  Fernando Alonso    Ferrari       1m23.247s  +1.399   76   Medium
 6.  Valtteri Bottas    Williams      1m23.561s  +1.713   98   Soft
 7.  Daniel Ricciardo   Toro Rosso    1m23.718s  +1.870   70   Medium
 8.  Paul di Resta      Force India   1m23.971s  +2.123   62   Medium
 9.  Nico Hulkenberg    Sauber        1m24.205s  +2.357   88   Medium
10.  Max Chilton        Marussia      1m25.115s  +3.267   67   Soft
11.  Charles Pic        Caterham      1m26.243s  +4.395   102  Medium

Picture Copyright © McLaren F1 Team

Jenson Button Ends Day One Fastest At Jerez

Jenson Button has ended the opening day of the first pre-season test fastest overall, just under a second ahead of the Red Bull of Mark Webber. Romain Grosjean ended the day 3rd overall with Lotus, after an initially slow start to the day. The day was plagued with three red flag periods, including an electrical issue for Nico Rosberg.

The day began with an early double car launch featuring Marussia and Caterham, before the sun fully rose and the first cars of 2013 left the confines of the pits and ventured out on track. The first two drivers to take to the track was the Sauber of Nico Hulkenberg and the Red Bull of Mark Webber, with Felipe Massa also quick to take to the track with his Ferrari F138 sporting intermediate tyres in the rather cool track conditions. The Brazilian driver eventually set the first timed lap of the day with a 01:35.607, however the 2012-spec Williams of Pastor Maldonado was quick to storm to the top with a 01:22.568.

Only 30 minutes into the day saw the first red flag delay caused when the McLaren of Jenson Button came to a sudden halt at Turn Four with a fuel pick-up issue plaguing his MP4-28. The Briton’s car was eventually cleared, allowing the session to resume as Mark Webber wasted no time in returning to the circuit. Nico Rosberg then quickly asserted his authority over proceedings with two quick times in close succession, with the German driver working his way down to a 01:20.846 in the new W04.

Nico Rosberg enjoyed a fiery start to testing at Jerez.

However, the German marque’s impressive performance at the front was brought to an abrupt end when Nico Rosberg was seen coasting to a halt with smoke wafting ominously from the rear of the W04. The Brackley-based outfit later confirmed that their car had suffered an electrical issue, centralized around the wiring loom. This issue on the car remained unresolved as the day progressed, with the team eventually calling a halt to proceedings in favor of modifying the part in question for tomorrow.

Daniel Ricciardo set the pace once the session resumed for Toro Rosso, impressing many throughout the paddock after the team’s high expectations for the season ahead. The Australian driver set a 01:20.547, and eventually improved at the top with a 01:20.343. Despite no official lunch break unlike last year, many of the teams did stop for a short period in the early afternoon. After a slow start to the day, Romain Grosjean propelled his E21 to the top of the timing sheets throughout the afternoon period, with the Frenchman setting a 01:19.796.

Many hours after his fuel pump issue earlier in the morning, Jenson Button finally returned to the track as the afternoon progressed. The 2009 World Champion set several installation laps before the session was once again brought to a halt after the Marussia of Max Chilton spun at the end of the back straight with suspected suspension failure. Felipe Massa returned to the track first once the session was resumed, however the Red Bull of Mark Webber showed promise by storming to the top of the timing sheets with a 01:19.709.

Despite a troublesome morning period for McLaren, Jenson Button’s day greatly improved throughout the closing stages as the Briton set the pace with a 01:18.861. This time was not beaten as the opening day drew to a conclusion, with several impressive performances up and down the grid including Paul di Resta in the Force India and Daniel Ricciardo in the Toro Rosso.

The cars will return to the Jerez circuit tomorrow morning for the second day of the opening test, which will feature Lewis Hamilton for the first time in Mercedes colors. The Briton will be hoping for a much more productive day, with the mechanical gremlins of today not recurring.

TODAY'S TIMES:

Pos  Driver               Team         Time                 Laps
 1.  Jenson Button        McLaren      1m18.861s            37
 2.  Mark Webber          Red Bull     1m19.709s  + 0.848s  73
 3.  Romain Grosjean      Lotus        1m19.796s  + 0.935s  54
 4.  Paul di Resta        Force India  1m20.343s  + 1.482s  89
 5.  Daniel Ricciardo     Toro Rosso   1m20.401s  + 1.540s  70
 6.  Felipe Massa         Ferrari      1m20.536s  + 1.675s  64
 7.  Nico Hulkenberg      Sauber       1m20.699s  + 1.838s  79
 8.  Nico Rosberg         Mercedes     1m20.846s  + 1.985s  14
 9.  Pastor Maldonado     Williams     1m20.864s  + 2.003s  84
10.  Giedo van der Garde  Caterham     1m21.915s  + 3.054s  64
11.  Max Chilton          Marussia     1m24.176s  + 5.315s  29

Picture(s) Copyright © Getty Images

McLaren Unveil MP4-28 Challenger In Spectacular Fashion

McLaren have become the second team to unveil their 2013 challenger ahead of the new season, during a spectacular ceremony at the team’s Woking factory which included a parade of race and Championship winning cars from the outfits colorful history. The covers were taken off of the new car by drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez.

The Woking-based outfit ended the 2012 season in fine form with victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix at the hands of Jenson Button, and aim to begin the new season in similar fashion with the 2009 World Champion now partnered by Mexican sensation Sergio Perez. The duo arrived in spectacular fashion to unveil the new car, with Button and Perez arriving via the outfit’s development model of the new McLaren P1 sportscar and 12C Spider respectively.

Just like last season’s MP4-27, this year’s machine features no ugly step-nose design. Instead the car includes a majestically sweeping nose design, however slight modifications have been carried out towards the front of the car, including new front pullrod suspension configuration, sidepod profiles and rear bodywork. The livery also remains the same, maintaining a combination of silver and rocket red.

It has also been confirmed that Jenson Button will become the first driver to get behind the wheel of the new MP4-28 once pre-season testing gets underway at Jerez next week, as the Briton prepares to begin his fourth season with McLaren. Jenson Button took three victories last season for the outfit, including a sensational win at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The 33-year-old is already eager to begin testing ahead of the new season, and is confident that both he and Sergio Perez can excel at the top.

“I’m going into my fourth season as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver and, more than ever, I know and understand the strengths and abilities of this team.” Explained Jenson Button, “This year is really about continuity and consolidation. Obviously, the biggest change for 2013 is my new team-mate, Checo [Sergio Perez]. It’s always interesting and inspiring to begin working with a new face, and it already feels like a very positive working relationship.

“This year’s car is the best we’ve ever made – I know the engineers have left absolutely no stone unturned in wringing every ounce of performance from every available area. I cannot wait to get behind the wheel and attempt to carry forward the incredible legacy that lives beneath the skin of every single man and woman who works at McLaren.”

Sergio Perez is also eagerly anticipating his debut year with McLaren, after making the switch to the Woking-based outfit from Sauber. The 23-year-old understands that there will be high amounts of pressure on his shoulders to perform at the team, but is confident he can prove his doubters wrong and begin his career at the team with the fierce competitiveness witnessed last season with Sauber.

“For me, this is a great day.” Enthused Sergio Perez, “In fact, every day this year has been great: I’ve been working hard with my new team to get everything ready for the start of the 2013 season – and it’s been an incredible journey to get to know this incredible organisation. I’m incredibly proud to be a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.

“Of course, I am fully aware of the steep slope ahead of me: it has already been an intense couple of weeks, getting to grips with a new team, meeting my engineers and mechanics, learning new ways of working and, of course, learning all about a brand new car – something I’ll need to do with just six days of on-track testing. It’s a big challenge.

“But I’m more prepared than I’ve ever been for the start of a new season. I feel extremely fit, focused and refreshed – there’s still a lot to do, but my aims are to feel confident, comfortable and ready to race by the time I land in Australia in just a few weeks’ time.”

Although many were quick to question McLaren’s decision to replace Lewis Hamilton with Sergio Perez, the young Mexican driver is keen to open his winning account with the Woking-based outfit in 2013. McLaren both started and ended last season with victories at Australia and Brazil, and will be keen to emulate such success once the new season gets underway at the Australian Grand Prix in several weeks time.

Picture(s) Copyright © McLaren F1 Team

Sergio Perez Prepared For Added Pressure With McLaren In 2013

Sergio Perez has explained how he is prepared for the added pressure at McLaren in 2013, as the Mexican star prepares for his third season in Formula 1 and his first with the Woking-based outfit alongside 2009 World Champion Jenson Button. Sergio Perez will be replacing Lewis Hamilton, who has moved to Mercedes to partner Nico Rosberg.

Despite widespread skepticism within the world of Formula 1 towards McLaren’s decision to replace Lewis Hamilton with Sergio Perez, the 23-year-old is confident he can excel in the new season. In only his second season last year, Perez successfully finished on the podium three times for Sauber which so nearly included a race victory at the wet/dry Malaysian Grand Prix. Should Sergio Perez replicate such competitiveness in 2013, it is expected he should become a regular on the rostrum.

Sergio Perez understands that the pressure on his shoulders will increase throughout the 2013 season, due largely to McLaren’s expectations of regular race victories from both himself and Jenson Button. However, the Mexican driver is confident he can rise to the challenge of winning races straight away with the Woking-based outfit, and is unfazed by the pressure of moving to one of the most accomplished outfits on the grid.

“Pressure will definitely raise a notch or two.” Explained Sergio Perez, “Here I will be given a car that can win, so winning is what I am supposed to do. To be frank, if you are not able to deal with pressure in Formula One, then this is the wrong place for you. Go and look for something else.”

Last season the Pirelli tyres greatly assisted in creating one of the most entertaining and competitive seasons in the history of the sport, with many drivers unable to get to grips with the controversial P-Zero and Cinturato range. However, Sergio Perez was one of the very few drivers on the grid who mastered the tyres, along with his new team-mate Jenson Button. Sergio Perez is understandably hopeful that he will be able to continue mastering the Pirelli tyres in 2013, and is also optimistic that together both he and Jenson Button can combine their knowledge of the tyre range to propel the team forwards.

“Hopefully.” Continued Sergio Perez, when asked whether both he and Jenson Button’s ability to work with the Pirelli tyres will be a good thing for McLaren. “But that is all speculation right now – nothing is certain when you haven’t been in the car and done a good deal of mileage. My guess is that it would, of course, help the team to have two drivers with quite similar driving styles. But how similar are we? We’ll find out in the next couple of weeks when we sit in the same car. Anything else would be comparing apples with oranges.”

Sergio Perez will get his first taste of the new Mercedes-powered McLaren MP4-28 several days after the new car’s unveiling, when pre-season testing gets underway at Jerez in Spain. The Mexican driver has only one goal for the new season, which is to begin winning races for the Woking-based outfit alongside team-mate Jenson Button. McLaren ended last season with victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix, and will unquestionably be eager to begin the season in similar fashion with victory at the Australian Grand Prix.

Picture Copyright © McLaren F1 Team

Gary Paffett Does Not Understand Lewis Hamilton Move

Long-term McLaren test driver Gary Paffett has become the latest member of the Formula 1 fraternity to speak out against Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes for the 2013 season, with the Briton explaining how he “does not understand” the 2008 World Champion’s decision. This comes after Sir Jackie Stewart described it as a long-term risk.

As preparations for the new Formula 1 season continues to gather momentum, McLaren test driver and Mercedes DTM star Gary Paffett has described how he does not understand Hamilton’s decision, despite Paffett’s strong connections to the German marque.

During the latter half of the 2012 season, Lewis Hamilton shocked the sporting community by deciding to move away from McLaren to join Nico Rosberg at Mercedes for the next season. Gary Paffett has disclosed that he does not understand his fellow countryman’s decision, stating that he believes McLaren will be stronger than Mercedes once again in 2013.

“Some drivers move for their own certain reasons,” said Gary Paffett at the Autosport Show last weekend. “I think a few of the times they move people don’t understand it and I don’t understand this one. I don’t understand why he moved. I knew Lewis very well, I used to kart with him when he was ten years old. Lewis has solely been focused on winning, that is his aim. He wants to break records, he wants to win the most Championships, win the most races and I see his best place to do that at McLaren.”

Lewis Hamilton has been replaced at the Woking-based outfit by Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who impressed greatly during his two seasons with Sauber. Throughout the 2012 season, the 22-year-old finished on the podium three times including a near-victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix behind eventual winner Fernando Alonso.

Although there is strong doubt within the Formula 1 community that Lewis Hamilton has made the right decision, some including Martin Brundle believe the Briton will certainly be victorious in 2013. Only time will tell as to whether Lewis Hamilton has made the correct decision or not, however it’s unquestionable that his move is still sending shockwaves throughout the sporting world.

Picture Copyright © Getty Images