McLaren planning upgrade package for Bahrain

McLaren are determined to win the development race in Formula 1 this season, having revealed upgrade plans for the Bahrain Grand Prix. A return of fifth and ninth for Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne respectively at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix helped McLaren match their points tally after 14 races from last year.

After ditching Honda engines for Renault, McLaren are cautiously optimistic about joining the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull in the fight for honours.

Although neither Alonso or Vandoorne qualified in the top 10, Haas' double DNF helped them make moves up the field, while the Renault pair of Nico Hukenberg and Carlos Sainz Jr both lost out under the Virtual Safety Car.

Having made their most positive start to a campaign in some years, McLaren are looking ahead to the coming races with cautious optimism and a few new bits of kit.

McLaren's 'Insider' wrote on the team's official website: "For the next race in Bahrain, we've got some more new parts to evaluate during free practice.

"Development throughout the season will be crucial: we saw in Melbourne that the midfield is particularly tight, and a bad performance, a mistake, or a loss of momentum will be capitalised upon by a handful of closely matched teams.

"There's still more to come: some new parts, upgraded power unit components, some operational improvements and further cures for some spotty reliability, but, overall, the car worked – it had useful balance and pace, and has been delivered to the brief of providing the drivers with a wider operational envelope within which to push for grip and assurance.

"So while there was no cheering or back-slapping in the McLaren garage after Sunday's race, there were a few handshakes between team members and some relieved smiles.

"But, make no mistake, McLaren doesn't go racing for points finishes. So while Sunday's result may have offered some comfort, it's merely a waypoint in a far bigger and longer journey towards the front."