McLaren seems to be undergoing a significant transformation, evident from the recent reorganization within the team based in Woking. James Key, the former technical director, has already departed, leading to changes in the team's structure. In the midst of this transition, Rob Marshall, who is currently employed by Red Bull, will join McLaren on January 1 to offer his expertise and support. Amidst these changes and challenges faced by the technical executive team, one person who has stood out is Lando Norris. He has been actively contributing valuable insights and information to the team's discussions, making him a key figure to watch. It is worth noting that the McLaren designer, who was once responsible for creating Ayrton Senna's iconic winning vehicle, has explicitly confirmed Lando Norris's significant contributions to the team.
McLaren had high expectations for this season, but they have faced emotional ups and downs since the beginning. Lando Norris struggled to achieve a top-three placement in qualifying until the Spanish Grand Prix, and the team's performance in Miami was a nightmare. The pressure increased when they finished outside the points at the Spanish GP, with Oscar Piastri in P13 and Norris dropping to P17 after starting in P3. These challenges have added to the team's tension and disappointment.
Despite the ongoing challenges, both Norris and Piastri have earned praise from a key figure deeply entrenched in McLaren's rich history: Neil Oatley. Oatley, known for his remarkable contributions, designed the most significant championship-winning Formula 1 car driven by Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. Particularly notable was his creation of the 1989 McLaren Honda MP4/5, which faced immense pressure to live up to the success of the MP4/4. Even when Ayrton Senna secured consecutive championships in 1990 and 1991, Oatley remained the sole mastermind behind the cars of the legendary driver.
During an interview on the Beyond the Grid podcast, veteran Neil Oatley shared his thoughts on the performances of the McLaren drivers. He praised both Norris and Piastri, referring to them as "wonderful kids" who have been immersed in motorsports for a significant portion of their lives. Oatley highlighted the modern drivers' approach, describing them as more scientific than their counterparts from a few years ago. He emphasized their ability to analyze data, learn from it, and make necessary adjustments to maximize their performance with the equipment they have at their disposal.
While younger McLaren fans have only witnessed the positive impact of Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris on the team's spirit, there is much they can learn from the insights of veteran designer Neil Oatley. Oatley, who experienced the atmosphere surrounding McLaren in the 1990s during the era of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, has valuable knowledge to share. Let's delve into Oatley's perspective on the rivalry between these two legends.
