Watson on McLaren: 1980 was bad, but ‘15 was terrible

Former McLaren driver John Watson hopes the team can shake off its “terrible” 2015 campaign, and sets a goal of returning to the podium this season.

Last year saw Woking suffer a torrid reunion with engine partner Honda, as poor power unit reliability and performance limited McLaren to a ninth-place finish in the Constructors’ championship with 27 points.

This was the British outfit’s worst result since 1980, when Watson and team-mate Alain Prost combined for 11 points. The Northern Irishman drove for McLaren from 1979-83, while also making a one-off appearance to replace an injured Niki Lauda in 1985.

Speaking to GPUpdate.net, Watson hints that watching last year from the sidelines hurt perhaps even more than experiencing their previous annus horribilis at first hand.

“I'd like to think that there will be substantial progress from the team, Honda and McLaren, in 2016,” the five-time grand prix winner said. “Because it was embarrassing for [them], and for me, as a member of the team.

“I was part of the team when we had a pretty bad year in 1980, but [2015] was a terrible year.”

Asked to outline the goals McLaren-Honda should eye in 2016, Watson added: “They've got to be two cars consistently in Q3, they've got to be consistently finishing races, and in doing so consistently finishing top six, and they've got to be looking to get on the podium.”

Watson’s successful grand prix career also includes spells at Brabham, Surtees, Lotus, and Penske. The 69-year-old’s best championship result came in 1982, when he finished third and only five points adrift of eventual winner Keke Rosberg.

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season