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Team boss Eric Boullier says he is not worried about engine reliability for 2018. After three bad years with Honda, McLaren has switched to customer Renault power for this year.
However, although Honda's reliability was woeful, Renault finished last season also notably struggling with technical problems. Asked if that's a worry, Boullier told France's Auto Hebdo: "Not at all. Renault has taken the necessary measures and made great efforts to make progress in this area."
He said McLaren has also worked very hard over the winter on the Renault switch. "The employees voluntarily worked throughout the holidays," Frenchman Boullier revealed. "Everyone has taken the news about the transition to Renault very positively, and we are working perfectly with our new supplier already," he added.
However, it might be said that there is big pressure on McLaren this year, given its bold claims about its chassis and the fact Red Bull has won races with the Renault engine. "We do not feel additional pressure," Boullier insisted. "On the contrary. The team is motivated by the fact that we will have two strong rivals in Red Bull and Renault. McLaren is in formula one to perform, not for the numbers," he added.
Finally, Boullier declined to confirm or deny McLaren executive Zak Brown's hint that the 2018 car may be painted in a full orange livery. "You will see everything at the launch," he smiled. (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
You should be. I dont think Renault will be bad this season, I expect this to be what we saw during 2016, but even if Renault progress well enough, 3 units per team will lead to issues one way or another. We can only hope it doesnt lead to retirements galore...
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Renault has invested heavily in their engine plant. They will improve again this year however i can see them doing a merc and keep their advanced modes to themselves. It also sounded like they struggled with the installation. The one advantage they have over Williams FI Renault ToroRosso and Sauber is their driver pairing. However I just can't see them improving to the point that they beat Ferrari which is where they need to be if they want to beat redbull consistently. They will improve but that might be offset by the lack of experience running a Renault PU. I believe that it will be a lot closer between teams in 2018.
Barron
Posts: 625
I’m pretty sure Renault will keep them on a short leash..