Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne Were Instrumental in McLaren Revival

According to McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl their 2019 run of form is down to the efforts of Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne. Both Fernando Alonso and Vandoorne drove for the Woking outfit since 2017 and struggled a lot. However, given that the current McLaren drivers are actually competitive, the struggle was worth it.

McLaren have seemingly taken over the mantle of the best of the rest from an inconsistent Renault. As a result, they lie in fourth place in the 2019 Formula One championship, with a 20 point lead over Renault. Their result was boosted by a fine 6th and 8th for Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz respectively in Austria.

Their result was not a one-off or a fluke either, as it has been consistent with McLaren’s pace. The Woking team’s race craft is a stark contrast to when Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne helmed the wheel during the 2018 season.

“No one expected in the team, finishing last season as the ninth fastest car, to make such a step,” Seidl confessed.

“It simply shows that a lot of the changes triggered last year are paying off. The team did a good job bringing this car to the track. Also the drivers from last year, we should pay a lot of credit to, Fernando and Stoffel.

“They pointed out the weaknesses and where to develop the car. And now the target is to keep going with the development.”

Carlos Sainz somehow dragged his McLaren into the top ten from the back of the grid, courtesy engine penalties.

The McLaren boss Seidl was of the opinion that Pierre Gasly’s seventh place was a possible target. Unfortunately, Sainz Jr picked up front wing damage during the final stages of the race.

“It was great to finish P6 and P8,” he continued. “It was a great drive from Carlos to recover after starting from last. It could have been even better but unfortunately, he damaged his front wings some laps before the end.”

“Then it was about surviving and keep the position. There was a chance to attack Gasly.”

“We had a lot of understeer. In terms of lap time, we lost about a second. We were lucky that Raikkonen also lost lap time.”

“I’m very happy for the team, because it’s good to confirm that Paul Ricard was not just a one-off. We were once again the fourth quickest team in the midfield.”