Official: Paffett remains test driver at McLaren

Gary Paffett has confirmed that he will continue to serve as a test driver for McLaren even though Mercedes has just formed its own Grand Prix team. The 28-year-old Briton has been a driver for Mercedes in the DTM and a test driver for McLaren since 2006.

Speaking on Saturday at ‘Autosport International’, Paffett stated: « I will continue my test work with McLaren to try to develop the car and help the British team win all the championships. I am not involved with the Mercedes F1 team. I simply have a job in DTM with Mercedes and a job in Formula 1 with McLaren. There is always a relationship between the two entities thanks to the engines. Although there is a rivalry now, I am very proud to be in F1 with McLaren and in DTM with Mercedes. »

Gary Paffett fully intends to encourage Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton and is convinced of their willingness to establish a good working relationship: « Knowing Lewis’s determination and taste for well-executed work and the work done last year by Jenson, it will be fantastic for everyone to watch Formula 1, » he added.

« It’s a courageous move for Jenson to come to McLaren because Lewis has been there for a few years now, and the team knows him very well. But the team has an open-minded approach on the subject. Both drivers will be on equal footing, and each will work as hard as possible to improve things. »