wow, things are looking pretty grim for McLaren-Honda, aren't they..
Between Abu Dhabi and Jerez they have now completed 4 days of on-track testing, plus who knows how many days in the factories, and all they can do are six installation laps ?

I can't help but feel like McLaren will be fighting hard to keep any team behind them this year.
If the Honda engine turns out to not equal the Renault, and their aero hasn't been sorted out, they will be in trouble!

 

These are my fears for McLaren as well this year. I doubt they are sandbagging with only 38 days to go before Melbourne. I fear they are going to do worse than 2014, and they'll be struggling to score points. I also worry about the lack of sponsorship on the car. McLaren are meant to be one of the biggest names in the business and their car looks rather empty.

 

Red Bull had serious problems through all three tests last year, and still managed to finish (sort of) second in the first race, and then go on to win three races. I don't think anyone should make any assumptions.

The big question is whether Honda are a year behind, or by not having to race in 2014 are in fact a year ahead.

 

Red Bull are a staggeringly efficient operation though. McLaren have always bumbled around a bit even when they have a fast car under them.

 

I don't think that is totally true. McLaren have been in fact one of the best teams in F1 history, but of late they seem to have lost their way. I hope that with Big Ron back in charge things might turn around for the best. He know's what he's doing, and they suffered when he stepped aside a few years back, despite having two of the best drivers.

It is too early to write anyone off, but we McLaren's recent form, I just can't see them turning it around this season. I think Honda being out of the sport won't have helped them. Maybe next year, we might see some improvement, but this year will be a case of learning on the job for McLaren & Honda.

 

Truth is that none of us will really know until the 1st race, and possibly beyond.

 

Yes but it's fun to analyse and discuss :-)

But yes the only thing we know for certain at this point is Mercedes will be WCC :-)

 

McLaren have always been good at developing the car through the year. Even last year, which I think they wrote off to a large extent, they came back a lot stronger towards the end. And with Ron and Honda it's like a fresh start and that always motivates people.

Vettel's been topping the testing times so far. I think he'll come back a lot stronger too, assuming Ferrari don't mess it up. If this year turns out to be McLaren, Ferrari, Williams and Red Bull all able to compete with Mercedes for wins it's going to be pretty exciting even if the result ends up being the same.

 

McLaren just need this years car to be good enough to evolve next year, realistically a brand new car against an evolution of a car as dominant as last years Mercedes isn't going to challenge. Not unless that engine is a monster.

But if McLaren can actually keep a car design and philosophy and evolve it rather than scrap it every year like they normally do who knows what they can achieve.

 

the honda sounds good

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/31110580