The MCL35M

This week we got to see the unveiling of the MCL35M and it may seem as though not much has changed from the cars exterior, on the inside of the car McLaren has switched its power unit from Renault to Mercedes.  Despite the 2020 homologation rule, McLaren were given permission to make accommodating changes for their new engine. The introduction of a Mercedes engine into the MCL35M will definitely be making the team’s competition sweat.

After their most competitive season since 2012, McLaren finished 3rd in the constructors’ championship behind Mercedes and RedBull. A new Merc engine in the McLaren chassis is something that has not been around since 2014. This new power unit is just one of the steps McLaren are taking to make it back up to the top of the grid again. 

Another change in McLaren is the introduction of a new driver!! Aussie, Daniel Ricciardo will be joining the team! As a driver who’s had plenty of experience on the podium and in the midfield, Daniel will be able to bring a fresh perspective on how to push McLaren forwards into achieving their goals. The 7-time race winnner stated that “McLaren has been on an awesome journey over the last few years, and I’m looking forward to helping the team maintain this positive momentum”.

One driver that isn’t changing in McLaren is Lando Norris, who is going into his 3rd season in not only F1 but with McLaren too! After gaining his first podium with the team last year, it is clear to see the confidence that is growing within Norris when it comes to his racing and partnership with McLaren. As the driver with better knowledge of the teams workings, Norris is set to take on a ‘leadership’ role in McLaren on (hopefully) their journey to the top. Norris is hopeful for the year but stated that “2021 is going to be another challenging year on-track with close competition, but I’m just focused on getting back to racing and giving it my all.”

The pairing of Norris and Ricciardo has been labelled as “one of the most competitive driver line-ups” in the sport by the McLaren Team Principal, Andreas Seidl. We hope this statement will come to life on track!

The shakedown of the MCL35M took place following the car’s launch on the 16th of Feb as part of a filming day for the team. All we have to say is, we can’t wait to see what the car will prove in pre-season testing! Will the new Merc power unit prove as a win or a lose? We will have to wait and see on the 12th of March when testing begins!

What do you think of the MCL35M? Let us know on our instagram @fs_formulas !

Thanks for reading!

Sach & Soph

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