Former McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh says that changes need to be made at McLaren if they are to return to the front of the F1 grid. Whitmarsh was McLaren’s team principal from 2009 – 2013, and McLaren have not troubled the top step of the podium since his departure.
Since 2013, McLaren have been uncompetitive, whilst also suffering three torrid years with Honda as their engine supplier.
Things have picked up this season, the team sits fifth in the constructors’ standings, 16 points behind fourth-placed Renault.
Whitmarsh believes that changes need to be made at the Woking based team: “It needs a big change of approach. There is too much politics between the main figures. I think a number of them have to go.”
Whitmarsh also expressed his concern at McLaren’s ventures into other motorsport categories, such as Le Mans and IndyCar.
“The team used to be all about winning in Formula 1. Now they are looking at other avenues — going to race in IndyCar and Le Mans, for example. They are great things in themselves, but McLaren going in that direction, rather than making grand prix racing their sole priority, makes me shudder.”