McLaren racing director Eric Boullier says the team refrained from taking an "easy route" when it embarked on the design of its new MCL33 contender.
Following a dismal three-year period of failure and under-performance, the Woking-based outfit begins a new chapter of its history, thanks in part to its partnership with engine supplier Renault.
While most of the attention centers on the MCL33's striking livery, which takes the team back to the roots established by Bruce McLaren over 50 years ago, Boullier insists the team's engineering department should be commended for the work it achieved in the short time it had to integrate Renault's power unit.
“I think the whole team feels proud of this car," says the Frenchman.
"The design, engineering and aerodynamic departments have done an incredible job delivering a new car with a new power unit in an extremely short timeframe.
"We never took the easy route or looked to shortcut a process or a solution; and the result is a car that is neat and well-resolved."
While the MCL33 carries the team's hopes of extracting itself from the doldrums and putting it back on a competitive level, Boullier knwos McLaren still has its work cut out for itself this year.
©EricBoullier
"We are under no illusions that it will be difficult to splinter the hegemony at the front; and that the midfield will be full of well-funded, experienced outfits with plenty to prove," he says.
We are humble about the challenge ahead, but feel we’ve prepared well, have a solid package that we can build upon and exploit as the season progresses, and have two excellent drivers who will make the difference in races.
"At McLaren, we are all racers – pure and simple. We’re going to come out pushing, and we’re going to be racing as hard as ever."
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