While excited, double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso admits he is “apprehensive” as he waits to see just how competitive the new McLaren MCL33 will be.
The 2018 car was revealed for the first time on Friday in an online launch but was spotted leaving the Navarra circuit in Spain on Wednesday, where it had been completed a filming day/ shakedown.
Ahead of the new campaign, expectations have been raised but also tempered by those within the Woking outfit as a change from Honda to Renault engines, McLaren hope will see them join the battle at the front.
“I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of an F1 car for the first time in three months,” Alonso, who will also compete in the WEC this year, said ahead of the launch.
“Looking at our new car, I feel incredibly excited – but also apprehensive. I know just how important this car is to the team, and I just hope that it delivers in the way we all want it to.
“If we’re able to develop the key strengths of last year’s chassis and marry it to an improved Renault power unit, then I think we’ll be able to take a step forwards,” he added.
“The car certainly looks very neat and well thought-out, and I think the new colour looks really great; really eye-catching. I just want to get behind the wheel now!”
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Teammate Stoffel Vandoorne also acknowledged the pressure McLaren is under to perform this season and knows the upcoming eight days of testing in Barcelona are crucial to getting off on the right foot.
“I really hope we can start the season with a stable platform that we’re able to develop quickly and easily,” he said. “It would be great to have a smooth few weeks of winter testing and to go to Australia feeling confident about the year ahead.
“I’m fit and focused, but I’m also relaxed because I think we’ve had a very productive winter and have designed a very capable new car. I can’t wait to put it to the test!”
