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McLaren have been a shadow of their usual selves this season. Jenson Button and Sergio Perez have been scraping through the top 10 and picking up the occasional top 5 finish.
Nobody would have backed McLaren to be wrestling the likes of Force India and Sauber. But that’s been how their season has gone, poorly.
Drivers
Jenson Button
He was the last man to win the World Championship before Vettel went on his title winning spree. This season, the Brit has been a pushover. This could be attributed predominantly to the car.
Sergio Perez
This man has attempted to punch above his weight but hasn’t been able to recreate the magic he possessed at Sauber. He could face the axe as McLaren look for other drivers. Felipe Massa who is looking for a job or Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg could replace him.
Pace of the car
The McLaren boys have had okay qualifying sessions, generally finishing around the top 10. However, in 2011 & 2012 they were serious pole position contenders. The pace of the car has gone and they seem to struggle on Raceday. Improving this is one of their key priorities.
The car
McLaren have acknowledged that their focus is shifting towards developing next year’s car for the radical new regulation package that will include turbo-charged engines and only 100 litres of fuel available for the race distance.
Tyre Problems
The FIA would be risking a significant impact upon the 2014 Formula 1 world championship should it opt not to extend Pirelli’s tyre supply deal. McLaren’s Jonathan Neale believes.”For all the teams, not just McLaren, making sure we understand exactly what tyre, shape and weight is going to be does affect fundamentally some of the vehicle layout decisions.
With an improved car for 2014, McLaren will hope to relive their past laurels as they move towards the new season. Jenson Button will be intent on showing his class. Ross Brawn could arrive at McLaren after leaving Mercedes. Buckle up because McLaren could come with a vengeance!
