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via Getty

via Getty

Day three DONE, at Barcelona #F1Testing. âś…

LN 👉 52 laps complete.
DR 👉 85 laps complete. pic.twitter.com/1QKfUpuwJ2

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 25, 2022

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The Papaya team topped the timesheets on the first day of the 3-day pre-season testing. When asked about McLaren’s shakedown performance, in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Helmut Marko

conveyed, “McLaren is after sponsors.” (Quote translated using Google Translate)

Also Read: McLaren F1 Provide Solution to Recurring 2022 Problems

New Season New McLaren?

The first two days have been very good for the Woking-based team. Lando was the fastest among all the drivers on day 1. However, being fastest in test runs doesn’t signify one’s true potential. Not every team shows their greatest power in these shakedowns.

Talking about the sponsorship comment from Marko, one has to take note that

McLaren might have been running on low fuel to take out the fastest time on the sheet. All in all, it’s too early to judge McLaren’s performance from this.

via Reuters

Once a pretty decent force in F1, McLaren has now shifted into the second tier of competitiveness. From fewer race wins to fewer podium places, the performance of the Papaya team has drastically changed over the years. Once a top team, now fights for third place with another renowned F1 team, Ferrari.

McLaren finished at P4 last season after a decent fight with

Ferrari. They were behind the Italian giants by 48.5 points. Although, with the new season on the brink, the team from Britain is hopeful for a comeback this season and will make a go against the top teams like Mercedes and Red Bull.

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What are your thoughts? Who do you think will be leading the 2022 grid? Let us know in the comment below.

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Watch This Story: Lewis Hamilton quickest on final day.

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