Whitmarsh : F1 can get even better
Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh sees no reason why the next Formula One season cannot be better than the 2010 campaign which has been hailed by many as epic and spectacular.
For the third time in four seasons the title was won in the final grand prix, but for the first time in F1 history four different drivers went into it looking to become Champion.
Sebastian Vettel emerged as the youngest-ever title winner in the end, remarkably topping the standings for the first time on the final day with his victory in Abu Dhabi.
It was the ninth change of leadership, another Formula One record, leading to the question as to how the sport and a season could at all improve for 2011.
Offering his thoughts, Whitmarsh said: "We have a fantastic sport, the pinnacle of motor racing, with the best cars in the world and the best drivers competing.
"This year we have concentrated on what is happening on the track, not what is happening in the paddock, and that has to be good for the sport.
"People were getting fed up of the polemics, but the teams are now working together better than they have done in trying to balance off the views and opinions.
"There's a different atmosphere in the paddock, and a lot of people have contributed to that because the teams have recognised if the sport is going to get bigger and better we have to work together, and that's what we're trying to do now.
"Of course, we're immensely competitive, so it could be very easy for these truces and co-operations to fall apart, but the signs are good and we're going to have some great seasons ahead of us.
"In addition, if you've stability, clear regulations that are administered correctly, then the drivers can then do what comes naturally to them.
"They are great, gifted drivers, and although we can't guarantee it, there's no reason why next year's Championship cannot be as good, if not even better than this year."
Ultimately for Whitmarsh and McLaren it was a season that ended trophyless, notably with regard to the Constructors' Championship for the 12th consecutive year.
For a marque renowned as one of F1's greatest teams, the last of their eight Constructors' titles was back in 1998, a damning statistic that has to change.
"Anyone who doesn't consider McLaren a serious contender next year would be foolish, but we can't guarantee anything," added Whitmarsh.
"The fact is Red Bull have come of age, they are Constructors' Champions, and with Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault, there are a lot of great teams out there, so it's not an easy title to win.
"We have two great drivers, so we've got the driver line-up right, so it's down to us as a team to do a better job, and that's what we are going to try and do.
"If, as a team, we do a great job, I think we can be competitive, but I've no doubt Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes etcetera will also be competitive.
"Red Bull, of course, have undeniably been very quick this year. We just have to make sure we are quicker than them next year."
Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)
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