Seidl: McLaren are 'prepared for the challenge of 2020'

Andreas Seidl can't wait to get going ahead of the Formula 1 season opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

McLaren team principal Seidl aims to "hit the ground running" after a strong showing in pre-season testing.

“Following a successful pre-season testing, we feel prepared for the challenge of 2020 but conscious of where we need to focus.

“The Australian Grand Prix is where we first see how competitive all the teams are without the usual caveats of testing, so there is plenty to learn. We aim to hit the ground running at Albert Park and set ourselves up well for the rest of the season.

In week one of testing, Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr. completed the third most laps of anyone in his MCL35 and the car showed well over the course of the two weeks.

For Seidl, the start of the season provides its own challenges, but he says that the team are working hard to maximise their potential.

“This will be my first time visiting Melbourne with McLaren, so I’m looking forward to seeing all the fans and taking in the amazing atmosphere," added Seidl.

“Starting the season with a back-to-back always raises challenges, but thanks to the hard work of the entire team both back at the factory and trackside, we head into the first two races prepared.”