Interview: NEOM McLaren's new duo describes expectations,
and the road ahead
In an exclusive interview with fiaformulae.com
in Valencia, NEOM McLaren's Jake Hughes and their new recruit, Sam Bird
described their experiences with McLaren, their thoughts on Season 9, their
hopes and expectations for Season 10, and how their partnership aims to bring
out the best in each other and their formidable racing machine.
Jake Hughes: Jake
Hughes, fresh out of his rookie season, shared his perspective on the
partnership with Sam Bird. He emphasized that although he's no longer a rookie,
he considers his Formula E career to be in its early stages. Learning is an
ongoing process in a challenging championship like Formula E, and having a
seasoned driver like Sam alongside him is invaluable. Jake sees this
partnership as an opportunity to absorb knowledge and insights from Sam, who
has been with successful teams. Together, they hope to drive NEOM McLaren
forward and enhance their performance.
Sam
Bird joins NEOM McLaren for Season 10 of Formula E
Sam Bird: Sam
Bird acknowledged Jake's impressive performance in Season 9 and described their
pairing as a combination of a quick and proven driver with a talented newcomer.
He expressed optimism about NEOM McLaren's potential to score valuable points
from the beginning of the season, even if they may not be leading the pack
immediately. Sam highlighted the allure of driving for a legendary brand like
McLaren and their shared aspiration to contribute to the team's storied
history.
The Move to McLaren:
Sam Bird revealed that the move to McLaren had been in the works for a while.
His long-standing relationship with Zak Brown played a crucial role in making
the transition. The deal was finalized in a remarkable 36 hours, and Sam
expressed his excitement about joining the team.
Integration and
Changes: Regarding Sam's integration into the team, Jake mentioned that Sam
is already familiar with Formula E but will encounter new faces within the
McLaren setup. He highlighted the meticulous work ethic and processes that
define the team's culture. Sam brings his own unique experiences and ideas,
which can be beneficial to the team's progress. Sam expressed his intention to
introduce small but impactful improvements to help NEOM McLaren reach new
heights.
NEOM
McLaren unveils fresh livery for Season 10
Season 9 Review:
Jake Hughes evaluated his rookie season in Formula E, emphasizing the steep
learning curve in the championship. He acknowledged that the second half of the
season presented challenges, despite showing potential. Jake identified areas
for improvement, particularly in qualifying, which can significantly impact race
results. The transition to the GEN3 car presented a learning curve, and the
team is motivated to build on their successful start to Season 9 in Season 10.
Sam Bird stressed the importance of consistency for the
upcoming season, citing mistakes that affected his results in the previous
season. He believes that consistent point-scoring should be the priority, and
there will be occasions where aiming for a podium finish is not feasible. His
mindset is focused on consistent performance rather than just chasing wins.
Unpredictability of
Formula E: Both drivers highlighted the unpredictability of Formula E
races, where apparent limitations in practice or qualifying can be overcome
during the actual race. They emphasized the need for adaptability and the understanding
that races in Formula E can unfold very differently from what's initially
expected.
McLaren
Racing expands partnership with Merchants Fleet
Expectations for
Season 10: Sam Bird expressed the desire for NEOM McLaren to compete with
the Porsche and Jaguar-powered cars, but refrained from setting specific
expectations. The primary goal is to start the season strong and have both cars
scoring points consistently.
Jake Hughes echoed the aim of improving the team's
performance, with a focus on consistent double-point finishes and regular
podium contention. The team's objective is to challenge the benchmark set by
Porsche and Jaguar-powered cars in the championship.
Tips for Each Other:
Both drivers had praise for each other's skills and experience. Sam Bird
acknowledged Jake's talent and mentioned the importance of sharing data and
collaborating with engineers when one driver has an advantage in terms of pace.
Jake Hughes highlighted Sam's deep knowledge of Formula E and encouraged him to
enjoy racing, indicating that Sam's passion and experience would be invaluable
to the team.
In conclusion, NEOM McLaren's new duo appears well-prepared
and motivated to face the challenges of Season 10, with a focus on improvement,
consistency, and collaboration within the team. Their shared passion for
McLaren and Formula E sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Source: https://www.fiaformulae.com/
0 Comments