Neither McLaren driver made it through to Q3 in Bahrain, with Lando Norris qualifying 13th and Daniel Ricciardo down in 18th as they both struggled for a lack of grip around the Sakhir track.
The team’s performance has been a surprise following a hugely encouraging first pre-season test in Barcelona , where it appeared that the squad could be on a par with Ferrari.
Technical director James Key thinks a number of factors have come into play, with its car appearing not to be especially well suited to lower speed corners.
“Barcelona was pretty positive for us and I think it’s a track which played towards the strengths that we currently have,” he explained.
“Here, I’ve got to say we’re obviously surprised. It’s been a tough weekend for us, and we definitely came in on the backfoot, having not tested properly at all last week, because of these brake issues that has crept up on us.”
Key said the brake problems, which limited McLaren’s running in the Bahrain test, had huge knock-on…
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