Mclaren a serious 2018 outsider?

What do you think guys.

A little bit-but-worse like Red Bull the last few years, McLarens focus was on the chassis side to try to make up for the sloppy pu. I do think their current chassis is among the best now and with the less-so-sloppy pu from Renault next year. Could McLaren be a serious outsider next year.

 

I doubt it...but i think they will become 4th best team next year...and could bother the big 3 in some races...

 

The chassis and aero "looks" to be in-line with that dog of a PU (GP2!!....GP2!!!) that is lacking some HP. Also, now that "BUD" is working for Renault I expect to see some gains early to mid-season from Renault in the chassis, aero, and PU side; so a plus for Mclaren. I don't think Mclaren or Renault will come out of the gates "fireing on all 8 cylinders" (really 6) but by early to mid-season they should pick up the pace(since BUD is serving a 6 month gardening leave). Both teams could be fighting the Force India's IMO.

Yes, Mclaren 4th above Renault.

 

Mclaren are 'giggling' so anything is possible LOL

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/132841/mclaren-giggling-with-excitement-for-2018

McLaren says it is "giggling" with excitement about what it can achieve in Formula 1 next year, on the back of its engine switch and progress with its chassis.

After securing a Renault customer supply to replace its Honda engine deal, the Woking-based team has been buoyed by the step forward in pace a new front wing concept has brought.

The development has been so good that Fernando Alonso reckons that McLaren now has the 'best' car in qualifying.

McLaren executive director Zak Brown said the step forward the team has made in recent races is hugely encouraging for next year, and is raising excitement levels about what can be achieved in 2018.

"Almost everything that we have developed over the year in the factory corresponds to the car, so we have a high strike rate of success," Brown told Autosport.

"Sometimes it can work in the factory and not on the car, but the chassis has been getting better and better and better.

"Our GPS says we are right near Red Bull: maybe a little better at some tracks and a little worse at other circuits.

"But they have won a couple of races, so we are cautiously optimistic [for 2018]. We almost have a few giggles getting ready for next year. We are excited."

 

Anyone but Mercedes.

Verstappen V Vettel V Alonso V Hamilton would be a decent show if FIA pulls their finger out and allows a normal amount of engines per season, not the pathetic 3 engines per season.

 

Do you mean "contender"? If yes, then absolutely, McLaren should be right up there fighting for wins. I am assuming they will have the same spec engines as Red Bull, and they have won this year. McLaren may very well have the better chassis, so they should maybe exceed Red Bull's performances.

It should be some great stuff! I can't wait to see what kind of battles Alonso will have with Max, because you know those are coming. Neither guy gives an inch.

 

Mclaren is always saying they have a great chassis...perhaps it's good, but i doubt it's anywhere near the red bull one....imo they will be slower than the top 3

 

Exactly

 

As long as Renault makes a decent step with their PUs reliability and performance, then McL and RB will both be near the front. Of course, Merc are not just sitting back waiting to be caught, so they will improve too. However, as this formula is maturing it is logical to expect more performance convergence between the various PUs (except Honda who are a lost cause).

2018 could be a cracking good year for the sport!

 

Very much hope you are right!!

 

yes me too!!

Ferrari,MB,RB and Mc will, maybe for different reasons, all have extremely highly motivated drivers so if the cars turn out to be more or less equal we might be in for a supergreat year.
Personally I do believe that Mclaren will be compatitive. Never a superfan of them but simply because they belong there too i think. But in the end, i do hope all 4 top teams will be competetive.

imagine a different driver winning every race, imagine a true final in the very last race of the saison. Man, this is scenario is really overdue.

 

Contenders for 4th? Could be.

 

Toro Rosso said that they were very pleased with the size of the Honda engine. I read two things on that:

#1 McLaren will have more problems to build a good chassis, having to deal with a bigger engine, the loss of Honda sponsorship and big invoices coming from Renault.
#2 At this point of the season, everybody is saying that their prospects are bright (McLaren has more power, Toro Rosso has a smaller engine...) but later some have a rude awakening.

So, who knows? I´d bet that they´ll be in the top 4, but I don´t know if they´ll be a real contender.

 

That's all McLaren has ever built so why would they say otherwise?
Came close a few times; with more power what makes you think so?

"#1 McLaren will have more problems to build a good chassis,"???
Since when?
"#2 At this point of the season, everybody is saying that their prospects are bright...but later some have a rude awakening."
Huh? Later is not here yet...it's a year from now. 'You clairvoyant?

 

I'd like to add a "like" for Fast_Ian, I'm sure he'd have approved as well

 

Before the move to Honda McLaren was the slowest of the Merc powered cars.

Just sayin’

 

Chassis, aero all moved on since then. Hugely.

 

Doesn´t have McLaren to built a complete new car or does the Renault engine fit in their size zero concept?

 

+1 I agree.

 

I think it will be a mostly new car. The Renault PU has cooling issues which RB have struggled with, so I can't see how a size zero concept will work and maintain sufficient reliability...

 

Way too early to tell. There's no guarantee with Renault reliability and the McLaren chassis will have to be redesigned to accept the engine.

I hope they are though. I'd love to see Alonso at the fighting for the podium again.

 

That is what I meant...so how can McLaren make any statements about a car that is not even designed yet...Who knows whether their new chassis will be as good as the current one when they have to sacrifice their size zero design to accept the new engine?

 

all season Ross Brawn and others criticized grid penalties. does the FIA make it so we won't have any more? no, they do the opposite and make engines have to last even longer. have to protect the golden child Mercedes at all costs!

 

You seem to have a dream that McLaren will suck next year. You're setting yourself up for disappointment. Alonso will be a regular podium visitor.

 

Don´t think so, he will have at least 6 cars in front of him....