McLaren suffers massive £173m quarterly revenue drop

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The McLaren Group's revenues took a massive £175m hit in the first quarter of 2020 relative to 2019 mainly as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the manufacturer's sales as dealerships were temporarily closed and its automotive production was idled.

Revenues of the company's McLaren Racing subsidiary fell in the first three months of the year by £4.4m compared to the same period in 2019, with the team recording no prize money in Q1.

However, sponsorship revenue was on the rise by £4.1m.

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McLaren's quarterly numbers were published just a day after the group announced the lay off of 1200 people across all its businesses as part of a major restructuring effort and "cost rationalisation measures" that will include "a number of potential financing alternatives, secured and unsecured, of up to £275m equivalent to strengthen its liquidity position".

The introduction next season of a F1's long-awaited budget cap, set at $145m in 2021, was also cited as a factor for its restructuring.

"McLaren Racing has been a proponent of the introduction in 2021 of the new Formula 1 budget cap which will create a sustainable financial basis for the teams and lead to a more competitive sport," said McLaren Group executive chairman Paul Walsh earlier this week.

"While this will have a significant impact on the shape and size of our F1 team, we will now begin to take the necessary measures to be ready to run at the cap from 2021 onward, in order to challenge again for race wins and championships in the future."

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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.