Eric Boullier believes it will be interesting to see how improving McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team’s package fares on the challenging configuration of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
The Woking based outfit had a really positive United States Grand Prix, compared to their performance at the Japanese Grand Prix, with both drivers finishing in the top ten, Fernando Alonso seeing the chequered flag in fifth and Jenson Button in ninth, but Racing Directer Boullier believes for McLaren to achieve a similar result to Austin in Mexico will be harder as it’s more a power-hungry circuit.
“We head to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez buoyed by a positive result at the Circuit of The Americas,” said Boullier. “Like in Texas, we’re looking forward to the incredibly warm welcome from the fans.
“Achieving a similar result to Austin at this circuit will be no mean feat. It’s a tough track for the chassis due to the high average speeds and big braking zones, and it makes the power unit, particularly the turbocharger, work harder than normal because of the high altitude. It will be interesting to see how our improving package fares on this challenging configuration.”
Last year, the Mexican Grand Prix didn’t go so well for McLaren as Alonso only managed to complete one lap before he had to retire due to a MGU-H rotational sensor failure, while Button only managed fourteenth after starting the Grand Prix in twentieth.
Boullier believes Saturday will be the most crucial day for them, with them needing to give themselves a bigger chance in their race with their qualifying position.
“I hope we can bring all of the elements together to see a more promising performance there than we managed last year,” added Boullier.
“Saturday will be the most crucial day for us, as we need to give ourselves the biggest chance in the race, and we can only do that by maximising everything in qualifying. With the incredible support from the fans, we’ll work hard to give them a great weekend of racing.”
