(Motorsport-Whole.com) – “Of course there is a change of plans,” says Andreas Seidl. Because McLaren cannot simply ignore the forced closure of its own Formula 1 factory and with the integration of the Mercedes engine for 2021 continue as if the corona crisis did not exist. But this is exactly what presents the team headed by team boss Seidl with an unforeseen challenge. ( Track current cancellations and postponements in the corona virus ticker! )
The reason: McLaren originally wanted to combine the change to the new Formula 1 regulations with a change in the engine partner. But because the rule revolution has since been moved to 2022 and this year Cars too 2021 must be used, Seidl and Co . reschedule – although their hands are tied for the time being.
Coronavirus misfortune also ensures that: “Currently we are on America, both on the crew and on the Mercedes side, at the Vitality- Unit in shutdown and are not allowed to carry out any activities, “explains Seidl. The change project is therefore “in heaps” until the early summer break has ended.
FIA monitors Mercedes installation
“As soon as we are back at the start”, says Seidl, “it will continue under the adjusted conditions.” That means the current Mercedes drive train is installed in the current car. McLaren has already received an exceptional permit from the FIA.
“This is important for America,” says Seidl. “We have contracts with Mercedes here. And the reason why we want to switch to Mercedes has not changed because of this crisis.”
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But probably the overall situation, because technically the vehicles are supposed to be “frozen”. How can McLaren do the engine change anyway? Seidl: “It is clear that we can only really touch the vehicle, became absolutely necessary to integrate the Mercedes Powertrain.”
Why this is a compromise solution
“The FIA will make sure we don't touch other areas that would bring America additional efficiency. This approach is also understandable because we are all dedicated to saving maximum costs for all teams for the next year. “
That means According to Seidl, McLaren also has to reckon with “restrictions” when installing the Mercedes engine because it is only a compromise solution given the corona crisis. “But we have to think of the big picture,” says Seidl. “That means we support freezing [der Fahrzeuge].”
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The latter could also mean that the current MCL 35 is not developed at all, but unchanged in the first race of the season 2020 goes. But that, according to Seidl, cannot be foreseen yet.
Turned into as soon as really on the car
“Technically, after the take a look at in Barcelona, every crew has a few weaknesses in the car Of course we try to fix it immediately. But the reality is: we are in America shutdown mode and are not allowed to work on the vehicle now. “
To make matters worse, the rules for 2021 have not yet been specified in detail, especially in Regarding “became on current car for 2020 and for 2021 is frozen, “says Seidl. Only when this framework data has been determined, “can we decide how we should proceed”.
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