2021 McLaren MCL35M

After a third place finish in 2020 McLaren are on the rise, and with a strong driver line-up have the potential to start competing with the top end of the field. Whilst the 2020 regulations have only minor changes to the rules, McLaren are the only team to switch powertrains, a move that opens a more avenues for changes.

2021 was meant to be the year the all-new design rules would come into play, however due to the pandemic that plan was put on hold for 2022. Therefore cost savings was a big consideration for 2021, with the 2020 cars basically carried over with a few modifications. Due to the Mercedes engine now in the back of the McLaren, the team can make some adjustments in order for the different packaging to work in their 2020 chassis. This opens the door to some sneaky improvements if possible that isn’t afforded to the other teams.

Daniel Ricciardo joins the team for 2021 to race alongside Lando Norris. With Ricciardo a proven race winner, and Lando a promising up and coming young driver McLaren look to have a strong pairing that should push each other to perform at their best. The team likely won’t compete directly with Mercedes or Red Bull in 2021, but they are in position to keep closing the gap and remain very competitive in the hotly contested mid-field.