McLaren owners hail 'fantastic team work and commitment'

Long-time McLaren shareholder Mansour Ojjeh has praised the crews at Woking for their "fantastic effort", the fruit of which is the team's striking new MCL33.

It's been a painful last three years for McLaren, dominated by a massive under-performance on the race track and internal struggles between the outfit's principal shareholders.

The departure of chairman Ron Dennis at the end of 2016 forced a restructuring of the team's management, with Zak Brown entrusted with McLaren's destiny alongside fellow manager Jonathan Neale.

McLaren's new partnership with engine supplier Renault has revived the team's hopes however, and Ojjeh underlines the importance of this year's campaign.

"It’s imperative that McLaren looks to re-establish itself on the track this year," said Ojjeh.

"Off-track, we have been working as strongly as ever: this year’s car is the result of a fantastic amount of teamwork and effort, of which we can be hugely proud.

"As ever, this formidable team keeps pushing itself forward, and I applaud everyone at McLaren for their relentless commitment to the mission."

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Fellow-principal shareholder Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa was equally impressed by the team's ability to overcome its recent challenges.

"We may have faced a tricky last few years, but this team has demonstrated time and time again that it emerges stronger from each and every challenge," said Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa.

"And, for 2018, it’s not merely the colour of the car that marks the change: there’s a determination and commitment that exists within everyone who works at McLaren, and we’re fighting stronger than ever to return to the front."

Mansour Ojjeh also expressed his delight to see the team embrace its heritage by returning to the historic 'papaya orange' colors introduced by founder Bruce McLaren in 1967.

"It’s fantastic to be able to return McLaren’s Grand Prix cars to the classic papaya orange livery they once sported in the 1960s," added Ojjeh.

"They look incredible, and really underline the fearless spirit with which we attack the new season.

"As a team, we have always been at our best when we are at our bravest, and I think this is another example of that indomitable spirit."

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