McLaren in Monaco: a fiftieth anniversary that’s back on track
The McLaren team, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this weekend, is well and truly on the road to progress. Another double entry in the points for Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, who finished 5th and 9th respectively at the end of the Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button showcased their experience today in Monaco! In this special race, both subtly exploited tire strategy to gain positions. In this game, the McLaren drivers each gained four positions from their starting place.
Author of a better qualifying (9th), Fernando Alonso reflected on his Monaco race:
« The race today was very demanding in terms of driving and concentration.
We started the race with zero visibility. Then, we opted for the intermediates as the track started to dry. We really ventured into uncharted territory with these tires! There was no room for error today.
By delaying his second and final stop (32nd lap), Alonso gained three positions, moving ahead of Rosberg, Hülkenberg, and Sainz. The Spaniard even enjoyed resisting Rosberg’s Mercedes with ease. For a driver who wants to bring the McLaren-Honda partnership back to the top, this race is an encouraging sign:
« We are not yet heading in the right direction, fighting for victory and podiums, but I am happy with the way things are progressing. »
Handshakes all round – top effort from our boys on our 50th anniversary weekend of #F1 racing. #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/8s2voN4vvx
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) 29 mai 2016
On his side, Jenson Button had to deal with a visibly catastrophic start:
« My car was undrivable during the first laps on the wet track. I was struggling with my rear tires, they locked up every time I touched the brakes! »
Drawing on his knowledge of the changing track race, the Englishman once again made pit stops at the ideal timing, passing Gutierrez and Massa, while benefiting from Verstappen’s crash.
I probably stopped at the right time, even if it doesn’t make much of a difference when everyone stops at the same time. Then, I found myself stuck behind Pascal (Wehrlein), I couldn’t overtake him.
We scored points but not as many as if the race had taken place in dry conditions. This result is therefore decent.
A sentiment shared by Eric Boullier. The McLaren-Honda race director reiterates the importance of these points during the weekend of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of McLaren.
« Of course, we didn’t make history for the team here (which holds the record for the most wins in Monaco for a constructor with 15 victories), we delivered an encouraging performance. »
« Fernando and Jenson demonstrated their racing expertise. Although we arrived with high hopes, we are satisfied with the development progress glimpsed this weekend. All of this is the result of hard work produced in Woking or in Japan at this very moment. »
