McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh insists his team cannot afford to repeat the mistakes they made in 2011 if they are to end Red Bull’s dominance of Formula 1.
The Woking-based team have shown glimpses of what they are capable of, with Lewis Hamilton, who is 5/1 with bookmaker to win the drivers’ championship in 2012, dominant in Abu Dhabi last week.
However, problems in testing and the car at the beginning of the year saw them start 2011 already some way off Red Bull, and their slow start to the season eventually ended their title hopes.
Whitmarsh admits this season has been disappointing but is already aiming to make amends next year.
“We had a slow start this year,” said Whitmarsh. “By the standards of McLaren this has not been a vintage year.
“We have to get out of the blocks quickly and make sure we are winning races. We’re optimistic.”