McLaren pleased with smooth integration of Renault engine

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McLaren racing director Eric Boullier says it's all systems go for McLaren and Renault following the team's initial integration of its new partner's power unit.

McLaren put an end to its painful partnership with Honda fairly late in the year, at a point in time when the design of its 2018 car was well underway.

Boullier insists however that the late change from one engine supplier to another, while time consuming, did not hit any major snags.

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"It went very smoothly," Boullier told Racer.

"We maybe took a hit of two weeks at the most, but that’s very small and recoverable. [The challenge of integration] is going to be no bigger than it was with Honda.

"Renault is used to working with several teams, so they are very well organized for this and to be honest with you, it’s done today.

"All the engine and chassis designs are well integrated and now it’s just about car performance development."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.