McLaren was a little lost when Andreas Seidl joined the team at the end of 2018. They had finished sixth in the constructors’ championship and had just lost their star driver Fernando Alonso.
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But under the leadership of team boss Andreas Seidl, the Woking team has achieved a turnaround. They have been on an upward trend since the start of the 2019 season; they finished fourth in the constructors’ championship in 2019 and improved to third place in the 2020 season.
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I was impressed by McLaren’s commitment: Andreas Seidl
During his speech on The Fast Lane podcast, Seidl revealed the main reason and motivation behind his decision to join McLaren.
“Of course I was well positioned at Porsche at the time, but I discussed my main topic with Zak and the McLaren shareholders. I was simply impressed by the commitment to bring this team back into Formula 1.
Formula 1 F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 20, 2021, McLaren Managing Director Andreas Seidl at the FIA press conference FIA / Handout via REUTERS
“That definitely left an impression. Despite, let’s say, the bad stint McLaren was in, that gave me confidence that there really was a chance, together with the team and with all the talented people at McLaren, to get the team back on its feet.
“With the commitment on the financial side and all the investments too. I just felt like I wanted to be part of this journey. It’s the same today, I wake up in the morning because here at McLaren I want to accommodate part of a generation that will hopefully fight for race wins again.
“And the championships in the future. That was very attractive to me, ”said the McLaren team principal.
Seidl disappointed with Ricciardo’s progress in the team
The team boss mentioned that it was disappointing to see Ricciardo’s lack of speed in the car. However, he is confident that the Aussie will soon gain a foothold on the team.
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Formula 1 F1 – Formula 1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 3, 2021, McLarens Daniel Ricciardo before the REUTERS / Maxim Shemetov Grand Prix
But Andreas hopes that Ricciardo will find the pace faster so that they don’t lose to Ferrari in the constructors’ battle. McLaren and Ferrari are currently fighting for third place in the constructors’ championship.
“I don’t think he imagined it would be so difficult to change teams. He’s disappointed, so are we. Because we thought it would be faster, ”said Seidl.
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Can Seidl McLaren lead to a title in the future? Let us know.
The post Andreas Seidl reveals why he chose McLaren on his F1 return first appeared on monter-une-startup.
