McLaren completes 2019 F1 power unit fire-up

McLaren has successfully completed a fire-up of its new Renault-powered 2019 Formula 1 car for the first time. 

The British squad released a video on social media of its 2019 challenger being fired up for the first time at its Woking F1 factory, ahead of the MCL34’s official launch on February 14. 

McLaren will continue its F1 recovery bid in the upcoming season following a difficult 2018 campaign which saw the British squad produce one of the least competitive cars on the grid as it failed to achieve its pre-season target of returning to the podium for the first time in six years. 

Improvement was made, however, with McLaren moving up to sixth place in the constructors’ championship in the first year of its new partnership with Renault, though it was not enough to convince double world champion Fernando Alonso to remain with the team. 

The Spaniard departed McLaren after four frustrating years to continue his quest to win the Indianapolis 500 at the second attempt and complete his Triple Crown effort. 

Alonso has been replaced by fellow countryman Carlos Sainz Jr, who leads McLaren’s new-look driver line-up which is completed by its highly-rated protege Lando Norris. 

McLaren has made a number of key changes ahead of the 2019 season, bringing in former Porsche LMP1 boss Andreas Seidl to lead its F1 operation, while technical chief James Key is set to join the team from Toro Rosso. 

Ferrari also confirmed it had fired up its 2019 F1 car for the first time at its Maranello base on Thursday.

Turn your volume up and get ready to hear the #MCL34 come to life as our McLaren and Renault teams get together for the first fire up of 2019. #FearlesslyForward pic.twitter.com/aXluGEWLV9

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) January 31, 2019