Boullier: McLaren under no illusions for new Renault era

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier insists his team has no assurances its new MCL33 Formula 1 car will see it immediately back at the front of the field.

After three years of disaster with an unreliable and underperforming Honda power unit, McLaren ditched its engine deal to partner with Renault from the 2018 F1 season. The Renault tie-up appears to have been vital to keep star driver Fernando Alonso as the team searches for a return to the top in F1.

Boullier is naturally pleased with the results of its 2018 F1 car, the MCL33, integrating a new power unit over the space of a few months but has warned it gives no guarantee the results will follow.

“We are under no illusions that it will be difficult to splinter the hegemony at the front,” Boullier said. “The midfield will be full of well-funded, experienced outfits with plenty to prove.

“We are humble about the challenge ahead, but feel we’ve prepared well, have a solid package that we can build upon and exploit as the season progresses, and have two excellent drivers who will make the difference in races.

“I think the whole team feels proud of this car. The design, engineering and aerodynamic departments have done an incredible job delivering a new car with a new power unit in an extremely short timeframe.

“We never took the easy route or looked to shortcut a process or a solution; and the result is a car that is neat and well-resolved.”

McLaren suffered its worst-ever F1 season last year finishing a lowly ninth place in the world constructors’ championship recording just seven top ten finishes between Alonso and Vandoorne.