McLaren sees challenge: 'Red Bull and Ferrari competing on different level'

McLaren are positive about the new year. According to new team boss Andrea Stella, McLaren need to make up one-and-a-half seconds to close the gap to Red Bull Racing, Ferrari and Mercedes.

With the introduction of the new regulations in 2022, it was unknown to everyone who would have the best car in the new season. The title fight appeared to be between Red Bull Racing and Ferrari, although the Italians ended up making too many mistakes. Mercedes had to watch as Max Verstappen won his second title in dominant fashion.

McLaren, meanwhile, battled Alpine for fourth place in the constructors' championship, a battle the British team eventually lost. In 2023, McLaren will have a new driver with Oscar Piastri, but also a different team boss. Indeed, Andrea Stella will take over from Andreas Seidl. The German is leaving for Alfa Romeo as CEO of Sauber in view of Audi's arrival.

Many teams will continue to develop their 2022 car for the new season. Stella knows McLaren still has a lot of work to do if the team wants to close the gap towards Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes, but the Italian is positive about the second half of the season. "The teams we need to beat next season are of course Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes. They are currently competing on a completely different level", Stella begins in conversation with FormulaPassion.it.

McLaren needs to make up a second and a half

"I still expect a difficult start, but I am optimistic for the second half of the season. The main goal is to make a fast car. We need to make up a second to a second and a half", says McLaren's new team boss. In February, most Formula 1 teams will present their new 2023 car to the world. McLaren has not yet announced the date.