McLaren entered Formula E with ambition and after the first three races of the season the future looks bright.
• Also read: Formula E: Porsche ahead at the start of the season
• Also read: Formula E: A victory of perseverance for Pascal Wehrlein
At the turn from the second (Gen2) to the third generation (Gen3) of cars, Mercedes decided to take the plunge. It was McLaren that took over operations and meddled in a third series of important single-seaters after Formula 1 and IndyCar.
Obviously, the operation is not entirely new. So the stable was well oiled despite the change of ownership. However, it was necessary to change engine manufacturers – from Mercedes to Nissan – and quickly understand the new cars.
The results so far are convincing with a leading position and a podium finish in three races. Jake Hughes and Rene Rast are fifth and sixth for the drivers, McLaren is third for the constructors.
best from others
The team’s first podium under the NEOM Mclaren name belongs to Rast at the second race of the Dariya E-Prix late last week.
In third place, he was the best of the others, Pascal Wehrlein (Porsche) and Jake Dennis (Andretti) have each had the first two podium places in the three previous races.
“It was a fight to the last corner,” Rast said, according to the official FE website. I am very happy. We can be very proud of what the team has achieved. We are still learning and hopefully we can apply this to Hyderabad.
Difficult administration
However, the challenges remain very present, starting with energy management. An aspect in which McLaren seems to lag behind its competitors. Hughes, who had started from first place in the same race, particularly lacked energy in the last corner as he was pushed to the finish by Mitch Evans.
“Jake persevered and René got off to a good start and was always in contention for the podium,” said team manager Ian James. The race ended in spectacular fashion but both our drivers were outstanding in getting the best out of the car and securing our first podium, the first from our supplier Nissan with the Gen3.
The drivers will be back in action for the inaugural E-Prix in Hyderabad, India on February 11th. The event will be broadcast on TVA Sports.