The beginning of the Formula 1 season was tough for McLaren, falling far short of expectations. However, especially with the updates introduced at the Austrian GP in July, the performances improved considerably. In particular, Lando Norris became a regular podium contender and the team finished fourth in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of Aston Martin.
Before witnessing this great leap in competitiveness, Mika Häkkinen predicted in June that there would be a surprise from McLaren in the following months, possibly even challenging Red Bull. It didn’t quite come to that, but the progress was indeed noticeable. The former driver explained this optimism to the team’s website:
– It was about spending time at the factory with different departments. Talking to different people at the factory, seeing their motivation and how confident they were – they knew what they were talking about. And all the departments seemed like a team. You could tell they had done their homework and calculations, which made me confident. You need team spirit and you need confidence in the team leaders, and that’s what’s happening.’
According to Häkkinen, McLaren shows a clear direction, with everyone rowing in the same direction: ‘There is a direction and that is an important motivating factor. The mechanics, engineers, marketing, press, everyone on track and in the factory is working hard. Teamwork is a huge success.’
