McLaren prepping for final push before summer shutdown

©McLaren

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McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl will be keeping his troops under pressure for the next two weeks, ensuring the Woking-based outfit pushes right into F1's summer shutdown.

A string of good results in the past three races consolidated McLaren's 'best of the rest' fourth-place position in the Constructors' standings, a performance that has put the papaya squad 21 points ahead of Renault, its closest rival.

As Formula 1 concludes its first half of the season, with back-to-back races at Hockenheim and at the Hungaroring, Seidl urges his team to remain focused before its heads into its well-deserved seasonal break.

McLaren should be doing even better, says Seidl

"We’ve had some positive results in the last few races, but we know there is no room for complacency if we want to keep moving forward and there are always improvements to be made," Seidl said in the team's German Grand Prix preview.

"The race at Silverstone proved how close the midfield teams are. Despite the good result at the British Grand Prix, there are still clear areas to work on and we aim to make progress at every single race.

"Heading into the final back-to-back before the summer break, it’s important that we keep our focus during this busy period and push right up until the factory shut-down in August."

©McLaren

Hockenheim next weekend will be a home race for Seidl, his first since taking the helm of McLaren in May. But the 43-year-old German engineer hopes it won't be his last.

"It will be a special moment for me as we head to my home country," admitted the former Porsche LMP1 boss.

"Germany has many motorsports fans who deserve to see a good race and I hope the future of the event can be secured soon.

"From a team perspective, we remain motivated towards giving Carlos and Lando the best possible tools for them to do their job.

"It’s a collective effort that starts back at the factory and ends at the track when we send our cars out on race day, and we’re always looking at how we can improve."

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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.