McLaren not quite sure about new Mercedes engines: 'That's a risk'

F1 News

11 February 2021 at 10:52
Last update 11 February 2021 at 11:49
  • GPblog.com

McLaren will start with Mercedes engines in 2021 and hopes to make the step to the top. However, Zak Brown also realises that this step also brings risks in the first season.

McLaren finished third among the constructors in 2020, and in doing so has achieved a great deal. The team was on the precipice years ago with Honda engines, but came back with the Renault engine. With the engines of Mercedes the team hopes to make the final step to the top.

McLaren a bit nervous

''Our aim is to get closer to the top. It is certainly possible to achieve this, but there is also a chance that we drop back to fifth place. At the moment you don't know how it will turn out, but I am sure we will have a good year,'' Brown said according to Speedweek.com. A key change for 2021 is the Mercedes engine.

''Every time you make such a fundamental change, there is a risk that there will be problems with the installation or the stability. In addition, we are not able to test ourselves and the winter test is even shorter than last year. Of course, this makes us a little nervous, because it is certainly not ideal. However, we have done everything to be as prepared as possible," concludes the McLaren chief.