McLaren wary of Renault threat in midfield fight

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl says his side must “leave nothing to chance” in its quest to seal fourth place in Formula 1’s midfield battle.

Heading into the final four rounds of the 2019 season, McLaren holds a 34-point advantage over nearest challengers Renault in the duel to claim fourth spot in the constructors’ standings.

McLaren is enjoying its most competitive year to date in the V6 hybrid era and is on course to achieve its best result since 2012. Despite its comfortable buffer over the Renault works squad that supplies its engines, the Woking squad is not taking its position for granted.

“As we head into these final few races, our focus remains on maximising the opportunities to score points through work at the track and back at the factory,” said Seidl. 

“Our position in the constructors’ championship is not yet secured and we must keep pushing to ensure we leave nothing to chance.

“It’s still all to play for and I look forward to some exciting racing.”

A brilliant fifth place for Carlos Sainz Jr in Japan last time out helped McLaren strengthen its hold over fourth, while it enabled the Spaniard to move up to sixth place in the drivers’ championship.

“Jumping to sixth position in the drivers' championship after another strong weekend in Suzuka is encouraging and it only adds up to our motivation to keep pushing until the end of the year,” added Sainz.

“It won't be easy to keep that position but I'll fight for it with everything we've got. We also took another important step in the constructors' championship, but we need to keep focussed.”