Column | McLaren may not be ready for the top in F1 despite renaissance

McLaren has enjoyed a renaissance since their disastrous 2017 season. Building performances and facilities, both on and off-track, they have risen up to often challenge for podiums, if not more. However, they could face difficulties in their 2022 campaign, with various factors being thrown into the mix. Here's what they need to avoid, to maintain their trajectory of success.55

Driver ability

There isn't too much concern over Lando Norris’ ability. The young Briton has displayed a steady amount of development over the years, with 2021 being a breakout season. Claiming four podiums and narrowly missing the win at the Russian Grand Prix - through strategic decision - there is comfort in the belief that he will continue to improve and guide the team forward.

Instead, concern mostly hinges around his teammate. Daniel Ricciardo’s jump to McLaren for the 2021 season hadn’t reaped the dividends that anyone expected. While he achieved a breakthrough win at the Italian Grand Prix, he was thoroughly bested by his teammate in both qualifying and race sessions. While he has shown better performances in his second season with a team - his 2020 campaign with Renault which garnered two podiums - it only remains as one instance where he has overturned the voice of doubters. With new regulations and a season’s experience with his team, he can hope and aim for much better in the coming season. The questions will remain, however…

Engine arrangements

It’s a business complexity that has its own thorns. As Mercedes provides McLaren with their engines, there are certain expectations set in place. While McLaren can happily win races, if they pose a direct threat to their engine provider’s championship hopes, the supplier will cease their agreement at the next available opportunity. This expectation exists due to both pride and the fact that championship earnings would outweigh any for an engine sale. While it would be a shock for McLaren to win the team’s championship - therefore limiting the chance of souring the deal - some concern would be felt in both competitors if the Woking squad ascends at a fast rate.

With Porsche eyeing a potential engine entry in the near future and the linkup with current McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl (who led Porsche to their latest Le Man successes), the Woking outfit could find a reasonable workaround. For now, however, they will need to be wary so as to not politically “bite the hand that feeds them.”

Financing

McLaren has had major adjustments to better meet the cost caps in the following seasons. A successful “sale-and-lease-back” strategy for their Woking headquarters, paired with investment from the Bank of Bahrain and MSP Sports Capital means that the papaya squad now have the necessary resources to maximise their performance. However, a concern could arise if mismanagement occurs. With the sudden inflation of resources, incorrect or frivolous expenditure could cause them to fall back from their rivals, who have greater experience (in recent times), with larger fund availability. A measured and thoughtful approach must be adopted.