F1 | Qatar GP | McLaren "very interested" in the outcome of Hamilton-Verstappen investigation
MotorLat was present with Andreas Seidl on McLaren's Friday debrief ahead of racing in Losail.
Before action kicks off at the Losail Circuit for the first F1 Grand Prix in Qatar, the McLaren Team Principal was asked his opinion on the week’s hot topic that revolves around Mercedes, Red Bull, and a possible penalization for a right of review from the German Team in order to re-evaluate the fight for the lead between Hamilton and Verstappen at the past Brazilian GP, alleging the Dutchman pushes the Briton off track.
“Looking back, with Lando’s case we had some questions. What happened there in Austria was Lando’s corner, different to what we’ve seen in Brazil. Therefore, we are very interested in the outcome of today’s investigation, and understanding on what Michael will debrief in the driver’s briefing tonight on how they see things moving forward.”
“I think whatever the outcome is; it’ll definitely change the approach of the drivers to certain maneuvers on track,” the German commented.
“Compared to the past, I think we have a speech more towards ‘let them race’, but knowing how difficult it is to judge in some cases, this inconsistency is really why we need to know what a driver can do and what he can’t do.”
“Again, comparing with Lando in Austria, the consequence should not really be part of the decision-making process.”
Regarding rumors involving McLaren, Porsche and Audi making the rounds earlier in the week, Seidl said: “We are head first into our Mercedes partnership which started well this year, and that’s our focus for next season. Rumors are just that.”
A fateful weekend at Sao Paulo for the British team fighting to win P3 in the constructors’ standings by the end of the season saw McLaren leave Interlagos with just one point in the bag, after Lando Norris managed his race to come from the back of the grid and take the checkered flag in 10th position, altogether with Daniel Ricciardo retiring; the McLaren chief expressed: “I can confirm there’s no damage on Daniel’s power unit and we can continue to use it.”
As F1 heads to the final race of a triple-header that will see by the end of it people in the pinnacle of motorsport working a total of 25-days-almost-non-stop, Seidl assured: “we can see that people are tired.”
“Still we try to make the time at the track the most comfortable for the team. The mood in the garage, after a few very unlucky weekends, México and Brazil, we want to strike back.”
