McLaren Warns Red Bull Not to Become Complacent with Success

McLarenMcLarenUnited Kingdom, 1963 > present92 models
1883 photos
12 videos
had one of its worst Formula One seasons in its history in 2013. Its best result all season was fourth place in the Brazilian Grand Prix. Team principal Martin Whitmarsh is warning Red BullRed BullAustria, 2004 > present12 models
1049 photos
3 videos
that if it gets complacent with victory, the same thing could happen to them.

“Sadly I can give the McLaren example of this year,” said Whitmarsh.

"We didn't decimate the opposition but we were dominant in the last few races of last year, and we certainly weren't this year. Maybe though, they are cleverer than us."

Whitmarsh is looking forward to the clean slate next year. The cars have to be completely redesigned, which gives McLaren a chance of fixing its mistakes. Also, the new engines will play a big role. It is possible that performance and reliability could play a larger role next season than it has in years. The cars are going to have two energy recovery systems and significantly more hybrid power. There are a lot of points of failure.

Formula 1 dominance is very cyclical. There was a time when WilliamsWilliamsUnited Kingdom, 1977 > present37 models
255 photos
was a top runner and a long period where FerrariFerrariItaly, 1947 > present233 models
5131 photos
37 videos
was a consecutive world champion.

Source: Autosport