McLaren plays down Spanish GP F1 upgrades

Fernando Alonso admits McLaren is hoping its Formula 1 rivals’ upgrades for this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix “do not deliver”, having downplayed his own team's updated package. 

Despite sitting fourth in the constructors’ standings following points finishes in each of the opening four races of the season, McLaren has struggled to optimise its 2018 package compared to its rivals, particularly in qualifying trim. 

The Woking-based squad is expected to bring a major aerodynamic upgrade for the upcoming race in Barcelona in a bid to improve its position having set high targets coming into the new campaign off the back of its new engine partnership with Renault.

But Alonso is not expecting huge improvements at the Spanish Grand Prix, which traditionally acts as the first opportunity teams have to introduce major revisions to their cars during the season. 

“In Barcelona there is a new aero package coming but I think 95% of the paddock is bringing a new aero package to Barcelona. 

“So maybe the gap will remain as it is, or we will recover it a little bit or just lose a little bit of ground. 

“Who knows? I think it is up to us to make the package work and deliver to expectations and hopefully some others do not deliver. That is our hope.”

While McLaren and Alonso have scored points at every race so far this season, the team is yet to reach the final Q3 segment of qualifying. McLaren racing director Eric Boullier echoed Alonso’s comments, adding McLaren has been bringing small updates at every round in a bid to gain performance. 

“There is a new direction starting from Barcelona but you can’t expect, like Fernando said, to jump everybody. Obviously everyone is brining parts and packages especially at the opening races. 

“In Monaco there will be another upgrade and Canada there will be another upgrade and Silverstone as well. It is every race.”