McLaren had no option but to be ambitious in the design of its new Formula 1 car for the 2018 season despite enduring a difficult pre-season testing programme, according to racing director Eric Boullier.
Fernando Alonso was pleased with how his "rollercoaster" final day of Formula 1 pre-season testing ended after recovering from four hours on the sidelines to finish second for McLaren in Barcelona.
McLaren Formula 1 racing director Eric Boullier has downplayed the recurring issues that caused the team to suffer three on-track stoppages during the opening day of the second pre-season test in Barcelona on Tuesday, saying the team is "not overly concerned".
Zak Brown hopes that Fernando Alonso will not only see out his time in Formula 1 with the McLaren team, but also remain with the British marque until he is ready to retire from all forms of motorsport.
Fernando Alonso will enjoy the first extended run in the new Renault-powered McLaren MCL33 on Monday at the start of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Barcelona.
Fernando Alonso enjoyed a successful first run-out in the new Renault-powered McLaren MCL33 Formula 1 car on Friday, and offered good early feedback by telling fans that "good times are coming" after three difficult years.
McLaren's expectations for its first Formula 1 season working with Renault in 2018 are greater than they were at any point while working with Honda in the last three years, according to Fernando Alonso.
McLaren racing director Eric Boullier has set an early target of the team regularly scoring podium finishes in Formula 1 next year when it links up with new engine partner Renault.
McLaren executive director Zak Brown has stressed that the Formula 1 engine deal struck with Renault from 2018 is not a short-term fix for the British team after three tough years with Honda.
McLaren will be able to navigate any financial implications brought about by an early divorce with Formula 1 engine partner Honda, according to executive director Zak Brown.