Vandoorne and Boullier in disagreement at McLaren

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Eric Boullier and Stoffel Vandoorne differ in opinion when it comes to assessing the pressure which awaits McLaren this season.

As it embarks on a new venture with engine partner Renault, the Woking-based outfit is out to regain its former glory after years of under-performance with Honda, its previous engine supplier.

While the team is raring to go, fueled by a boosted spirit, McLaren racing director Eric Boullier denies that pressure is building.

"We do not feel additional pressure," said the Frenchman.

"On the contrary. The team is motivated by the fact that we will have two strong rivals in Red Bull and Renault."

McLaren's Boullier isn't expecting reliability issues with Renault

Stoffel Vandoorne begs to differ however, believing McLaren's partnership with Renault will offer the team an opportunity to directly compare itself to front-runner Red Bull and to the manufacturer's works outfit.

Therefore, the pressure to perform will be there says the Belgian.

"In 2018 the pressure on the team is big because we have big points of comparison next to us," the 25-year-old told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

"Red Bull won races last season and Renault has also done well, so the pressure is there. But it is also positive and we need it to progress," he added.

Vandoorne endured a difficult start to his F1 career last season, finding himself on the receiving end of Honda's reliability woes but also struggling to get up to speed in the early part of the season compared to team mate Fernando Alonso.

©McLaren

"I still have work to do to be able to put a weekend together and better understand the car," he admitted.

"The speed is there if I put all the elements together.

"We have not set a goal for the season. For me, my point of reference is Fernando Alonso even if I focus mainly on myself.

"The results last year were not what I expected but I am now much stronger for the new season," he added.

McLaren is set to unveil its MCL33 charger on February 23, but Vandoorne says he has already had his first taste of the car in the simulator.

"I had my first day in the simulator and with the engineers and we were able to discuss a lot about the new car," he said.

"I had my first feeling of the 2018 car -- the change (to Renault) will be great for us. Everyone is motivated to start testing and see what we can do on the track.

"We will know a little more about how the season will unfold in Barcelona," Vandoorne added.

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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.