McLaren insists new car ‘completely different’ to Red Bull

The Woking-based outfit has played down similarities between the MCL38 and the reigning Constructors’ title holders.

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has insisted the team’s new car is “completely different” from Red Bull-designed machinery.

The Woking-based outfit enjoyed a productive test despite a scattering of gremlins across the three days of running at the Bahrain International Circuit, with fortunes far improved compared to pre-season in the previous two years.

McLaren’s MCL38 is an evolution of the car it finished last season with, a concept seemingly based heavily on the dominant Red Bull RB19, which saw a huge turnaround in performance when initially introduced at the Austrian Grand Prix with Lando Norris.

Yet despite the distinctive features displayed on the new car, Stella has downplayed the likeliness to F1’s Constructors’ champion.

They have been ahead in the journey’

“It’s like comparing apples to oranges,” Stella said while speaking to reporters, including RacingNews365, about any comparisons to Red Bull.   

“There are certain parts of the car in the debut version that have undergone significant changes from last year, with some changes being quite noticeable.”   

There are certain areas that have only seen slight improvements, however, there is significant untapped potential in development that wasn’t utilized in time for the launch vehicle.   

“It does not involve a significant overhaul like the one needed to achieve Red Bull’s success.   While we are certain of our progress and the ideas implemented in the car, the key factor lies in how advanced we are in our journey.”   

It is evident that they have been leading in the tournament and they are maintaining this lead in relation to their position.