McLaren will be allowed to alter their chassis to accommodate their switch from Renault to Mercedes engines in 2021.
Questions were raised about the British team’s reunification with the German manufacturer after Formula 1 teams agreed to freeze chassis development for next season, meaning the new regulations originally set for next year will instead be introduced in 2022.
McLaren though quickly confirmed the new partnership was proceeding as planned and have also confirmed their support for the rules delay.
“From the outset, we have been a leading supporter of the new sporting and technical regulations for 2021 as they present the opportunity to deliver an exciting new era for Formula 1,” McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl said via Motorsport Week.
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“Nevertheless, there is no escaping the severity of the pressures faced by the sport right now.
“In the same way that decision to introduce the new regulations was aimed at improving the long-term health of Formula 1, the decision to postpone them has been made in the same vein.
“We support the postponement and have played an active part in the conversation around doing so.
“We recognise that it is crucial to protect the financial health of all the teams while ensuring a level playing field when we do go racing.”
Commenting on McLaren’s return to Mercedes power for the first time since 2014, however, Formula1.com reporter Lawrence Barretto believes the task of fitting it into their 2020 car could be problematic.
“Each manufacturer’s power unit has a very different architecture, so it’s not as simple as taking a Renault out and plugging a Mercedes in,” he commented.
“McLaren will have been planning to integrate the Mercedes engine into their 2021 car, which will naturally have a very different layout given the regulatory overhaul.
“Changing tack to make it work with their 2020 car will likely have cost implications.”
