McLaren give an insight into how they run their factory during the pandemic

With the coronavirus pandemic now threatening the 2021 season, Formula One teams are struggling to keep their factories running at peak performance. McLaren explained how they are ensuring safe measures for the kick-off of the new racing season.

In an interview with Auto, Motor, und Sport, Piers Thynne, McLaren factory manager, explained how they work at the factory during the pandemic. For example, parts are now transported through the factory in a way that is safe from possible contamination. Thynne explained: "When new parts are moved from one department to the next in the production process, for example, they are first placed in newly created areas for temporary storage. From there they are then picked up to avoid interpersonal contacts."

The staff roster at the Woking factory has also been split up to prevent an outbreak from bringing the entire plant down. "We have split the work at the McLaren Technology Center into shifts so that not the entire production team is incapacitated in the event of a Covid-19 outbreak," Thynne added. 

Digital participation

McLaren also expect their employees to have the necessary digital participation. “In virtual conferences, it is important that all participants actively participate. The camera must therefore be switched on. We don't care whether the pajamas are still on or whether the hairstyle is right. It doesn't matter."