Eric Boullier is fully focused on this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix despite the obvious disappointment his McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team felt last time out in Canada when a point went begging with just two laps remaining thanks to an engine failure on Fernando Alonso’s MCL32.
The Racing Director of the Woking-based team has seen Alonso and team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne fail to score a top ten finish in any of the first seven races, which has left them trailing at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship as a result, and Boullier expects more struggles this weekend at the Baku Street Circuit.
Boullier insists McLaren are still working hard to improve their performance in 2017, and says that everyone in the team still have both the hunger and determination to improve.
“After the frustrations we felt in Montreal, we move to what is another fascinating city in Baku, for the second race in the city’s history at the newly renamed Azerbaijan Grand Prix,” said Boullier.
“In Canada we were unable to fulfil any potential we showed during the weekend, and we anticipate that in Baku we will face a similar challenge due to the demands this circuit’s characteristics place on the car.
“Nevertheless, in the midst of our current struggles, we aren’t standing still. Quite the opposite, in fact, and the team’s hunger and determination are stronger than ever to move us forward and into the hunt for more positive results. Rather than focus on the negatives, we need to turn our attention to solutions and work together to get the best out of our situation.
“Although we know this weekend won’t be easy, the backdrop of the stunning old town and medieval walls of Baku offer a dramatic arena for more great racing. The atmosphere during our first visit there last year was incredible and the support we received from the fans was fantastic.”
