Boullier holds his drivers back

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier has told his drivers not to get carried away with the result in Australia.

Despite neither driver making a Q3 appearance, McLaren finished 5th and 9th.

“The result at Albert Park was a boost that we all needed, but now we must move on, look firmly ahead and keep pushing forward,” said Boullier.

Eric Boullier acknowledged the help the team received from the virtual safety car which gave them track position.

With Albert Park such a difficult track overtake from, this was a massive advantage.

“We can't take anything for granted - we also benefited from circumstances around us.”

The Surrey-based team have significantly improved on results in the past three seasons but Boullier makes it clear they’re not stopping there.

“We're working hard to bring updates to the next two Grands Prix

"Our principal targets are further up the grid ahead of us - our focus is on the development race as well.”

McLaren did target 100% attendance in Q3 but both drivers missed out qualifying 11th and 12th in Melbourne.

Nevertheless, McLaren are a much stronger outfit under a Renault engine and claims of having the best chassis will finally get put to the test.