De Ferran - Still a long way to go for McLaren

The pace McLaren have shown has surprised many so far in 2019, but Gil De Ferran has insisted there is a long way to go for the Woking-based side as they aim to get back to the top of Formula 1.

McLaren’s best finish so far was Lando Norris’ sixth in Bahrain and although the team have suffered some reliability issues so far with their Renault engine, they are considered by many, the fastest team outside the top three. With the midfield as competitive as it has been for years McLaren’s early pace will be a bonus but De Ferran is adamant there is a long way to go.

"I think the car took a little step forward compared to last year, but we have no illusions: there is still a lot of work to do,” he said in an interview in motorsport.com

“I had already said this during the winter tests and also in the first races, the road is long for us.

The team’s Sporting Director also paid tribute to their new engine supplier, Renault.

"I think Renault has done a great job for us as our power unit supplier, they too have grown and given us a more competitive one.

“But I think our goal is to go further, regardless of who precedes us now,” added De Ferran