F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Alonso: Late season "experiments" boosted McLaren's prospects for 2019

X (Twitter)X (Twitter)
FacebookFacebook
WhatsappWhatsapp

Fernando Alonso believes the aerodynamic developments conducted by McLaren in the second part of this season have left the team better positioned for 2019.

Following its switch from Honda to Renault power for this year, the Woking-based outfit was confident of moving up the grid.

However, a fundamental aero issue impacting its MCL 33 chassis left the team's performance well short of expectations.

Over the summer, McLaren attempted to solve its car's excessive drag and inconsistent downforce problems, and while results barely improved, Alonso believes the team's positive development work and improved knowledge will help it field a much better car next season.

"Since July we have been testing experimental parts for next year," said Alonso.

"There is a lot of optimism in the team with the direction the car took in the last couple of months.

"We understood our problems, we know last year our car was very competitive on the chassis side – we know that, we have the GPS comparison, we know the speed in the corners.

"The car last year, 12 months ago, was very competitive in some areas and we lost that level of competitiveness this year unfortunately.

"We understood why, so I think next year the team will be in a much better position and I am happy for them."

©McLaren

While he won't be racing in F1 in 2019, Alonso may very well have a chance to experience first hand McLaren's improvements in 2019, with CEO Zak Brown suggesting the team could call on the Spaniard's feedback in testing next season.

"I have spoken to Fernando about it. He is very open to it," Brown said.

"There's a lot he can contribute experience-wise. Carlos [Sainz] and Lando [Norris] are open to any ideas that will bring us experience.

"Fernando knows the team very well, Lando doesn't have that experience, and Carlos doesn't have that experience with us. It's something I'll be talking to him about.

"I'll go to Daytona for Fernando's Daytona testing and we're going to chat to him further then."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

FIA U-turn: Stricter flexi-wing tests rolled out for 2025 season

The FIA has shifted its policy approach to flexible wings in Formula 1, moving from…

7 hours ago

Hamilton’s detailed adjustments with Ferrari in Barcelona

Details have emerged on Lewis Hamilton’s bedding in process with Ferrari after this week’s test…

8 hours ago

Russell embraces new chapter at Mercedes: ‘Ending my beginning’

George Russell believes he has reached “the end of the beginning” of his F1 career…

9 hours ago

Jo Bonnier: A true gentleman racer

Sweden's Jo Bonnier, who was born on this day in 1930, enjoyed a career in…

11 hours ago

Ickx returns to Bathurst, reunites with legendary 1977 winning car

Motorsport icon Jacky Ickx has returned to Bathurst ahead of this weekend’s Bathurst 12 Hour…

12 hours ago

Horner insists Verstappen had no role in Herbert FIA exit

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has made it clear that Max Verstappen played no…

12 hours ago