For McLaren the pre-season tests held this week in Bahrain did not go as hoped. The MCL36, in fact, suffered on several occasions the overheating of the front brakes which forced the team to stop for a long time in the pits in the first two days waiting to receive new components from Woking.
In addition to technical problems, the English team also had to deal with Daniel Ricciardo’s health problems. The Australian, in fact, never managed to get on the track in the three days of testing and on Friday evening the team communicated the positivity of his driver to COVID-19.
Should Ricciardo fail in time, he will be forced to start the season next week with only one day and a half of testing in Barcelona, but if he is unable to get behind the wheel, the Woking team could use Oscar Piastri.
The 2021 Formula 2 champion, in fact, was made available by Alpine to McLaren in light of the lack of reserve drivers currently available for the English team.
In addition to Piastri’s “loan”, McLaren yesterday announced the start of a test program that will see Colton Herta at the wheel of the 2021 MCL35M.
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL36
Photo by: Motorsport Images
“McLaren Racing confirms that US driver Colton Herta will be behind the wheel of the 2021 MCL35M to take part in a test program” reads the statement released by the British team.
“Herta became the youngest ever winner in IndyCar history in 2019 when he won at the Circuit of the Americas. Since then, the 21-year-old American has secured six wins and seven poles ”.
“This opportunity for Herta comes with the new Formula 1 sporting regulations that allow teams to take to the track with year-old cars. The program will offer the team the opportunity to test potential drivers and evaluate young talents ”.
Great enthusiasm from Herta who will thus have the opportunity to make his debut at the wheel of a Formula 1 single-seater. The name of the American driver became fashionable in recent months when Andretti was close to buying the Sauber, then vanished.
“I want to thank McLaren for this opportunity to make my first laps behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. It has always been at the top of my wish list.”
“This will be a great opportunity for me to gain valuable experience and learn from a successful team like McLaren.”
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