F1 team review - McLaren

"McLaren endured the most difficult start to a season in their 43-year history - but they bounced back impressively.

"Early in the year, I described this as their worst-ever car, but they rebuilt and regrouped and Lewis Hamilton scored more points than anyone else in the second half of the season, including two impressive wins in Hungary and Singapore.

"It has been a great turnaround for him and Hamilton looks very strong going into next year.

"I'm reliably informed that the new McLaren is already a quicker car in the tunnel than the current one, so they are well on track for next year. I think McLaren will be a very strong prospect for next season."

Can you explain your team's philosophy in three words?
McLaren exists to win: we win by being the most technologically advanced and by having the best team spirit within our organisation.

What is special about McLaren?
The people within the organisation are ultimately what makes it special.

The ethos of the company and its heritage are important, but it is the high-quality people working in a professional, dedicated way striving to meet the objectives of the organisation that makes it what it is.

MCLAREN FACTS AND STATS Drivers: Lewis Hamilton Heikki Kovalainen Nationality: Anglo-German Headquarters Woking (UK) Debut season 1966 Test drivers: Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett Team principal: Martin Whitmarsh Engineering director: Paddy Lowe Engine: Mercedes-Benz V8 Total Grand Prix wins: 163 2008 position: 2nd Constructors' titles: 8

Why should people support McLaren?
People should, we hope, take an interest in F1 and thereafter in determining the team they wish to support. They should look for one that they feel has the values and approach and excitement that they empathise with.

What is the most difficult thing about being a team boss?
The most difficult thing about being a team boss in F1 is the pressure and the desire to win. There are 10, we hope, teams at the first race which have good budgets, good organisations and which are extremely difficult to beat. So inevitably winning has never been more difficult than it is now in F1.

Are you worried about the future of F1?
F1 has evolved and changed many times over the years. It faces particular challenges, as does every other business or enterprise in the world at the moment.

But the underlying offering of the best drivers in the world, in the most advanced cars, racing each other is a solid proposition and, I'm sure, while it may change in form in response to outside pressures, it will be sustained as a sport.

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