Racing Point planning F1 upgrades at every race in 2019

Otmar Szafnauer says fresh investment for the Racing Point squad means it can bring upgrades to every race of the 2019 Formula 1 season. 

Following Lawrence Stroll’s takeover of the former Force India team and the addition of new sponsors, Racing Point has enjoyed a much-needed cash injection heading into the new campaign. 

While the financial boost came too early to affect its pre-season testing programme, the Silverstone-based outfit has promised its RP19 will look “quite different” in Melbourne to the car that ran in Barcelona. 

Speaking at the F1 season launch event ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, Szafnauer said: “We’ve got a little bit more money which will help us with the developments this year.

“It's going to be really tough in the midfield. It will be a development race. Luckily, we've got the funding behind us to bring upgrades to every race, including Australia.”

Having forfeited its points tally at the half-way stage last year, Racing Point recovered to claim seventh in the constructors’ standings. After previous back-to-back fourth place finishes in 2016 and 2017, the team is determined to return to the higher realms of the midfield pack. 

Sergio Perez, who will be partnered by Lance Stroll in Racing Point’s revised driver line-up, admits that expectations are “very high” and is targeting a strong points finish to kick-off the season in style. 

“Expectations are very high,” Perez said. We want to start the season on a really good basis, score good points. 

“I think if we're able to score good points on Sunday, it will be a very good start for us.”