Due to the coronavirus, the major change in regulations is largely postponed to 2022. McLaren's technical chief, James Key, thinks that there are still some good chances for his team to advance in the battle order in 2021.
Still room in regulations
McLaren is already on his way back from the valley of previous years. They are already doing better with the Renault engines, but from next year on they will be racing with Mercedes engines. James Key thinks there are certainly opportunities for his team in 2021.
In conversation with Autosport.com,the chief of engineering says: "Although the mechanical side of the chassis has been frozen in terms of development, we can still do a lot in terms of aerodynamics. There will be some downforce changes next year. That opens an opportunity for us."
McLaren midfield past
Key continues: "Mercedes is doing great every year and improving every time. Behind them the field is very dense. That gives a lot of chances to take it a step further. Of course you can easily go backwards because of that."
At the moment McLaren seems to be mainly competing against Racing Point. Taking a step forward probably means beating Racing Point and trying to match Red Bull. However, there is still little clear about the new equipment they will get from Mercedes from 2021.
"I think the engine of '21 is in full development. So we will have to wait quite a while before we see what he can do".