McLaren Mercedes CEO Martin Whitmarsh has admitted that team has underperformed in recent events as it looks to get its
Formula One title ambitions back on track at
Silverstone next weekend.
The team failed to pick up any points in Montreal during the Canadian Grand Prix and then came away from Magny-Cours with just five points thanks to
Heikki Kovalainen's fourth place. In the same two races, both
Ferrari and
BMW Sauber have scored 22 points to leave McLaren down in third place in the constructors' championship – 33 points behind the
Scuderia.
Lewis Hamilton has also slipped to fourth in the drivers' title race following his own personal disappointments in the last two races which has left the Woking-based squad with a challenge on its hands to try and claim championship honours come the end of the season.
However, having pursued an ‘aggressive development strategy' in recent weeks with the MP4-23, Whitmarsh said both drivers were hopeful of solid showings at Silverstone as the team seeks to get back on track.
"Both Lewis and Heikki came away from the Silverstone test feeling very optimistic about the changes we've made," he said. "We've been particularly aggressive in our development strategy, bringing new aero parts to the French Grand Prix, making further revisions ahead of the Silverstone test and planning even more upgrades for future races. The pace of development between the top teams will almost certainly prove crucial to the outcome of this year's world championship and we've always recognised the importance of relentless, strategic development.
"Dealing with a disappointing result is an inevitable part of the ebb and flow of a championship assault. As a team, we exist to win - and when we aren't winning we're tough on ourselves. We're aware that we've under-performed recently but there are no bigger critics than ourselves. And with both Lewis and Heikki, we're convinced we've got the right blend of youth and enthusiasm to tackle the challenge of winning races and challenging for the championship."
