Vodafone were McLaren’s title sponsor for seven seasons, but it is unclear who
will replace them. Neale claimed that the team’s “roster of sponsors remains
the envy of the pitlane”.
McLaren endured a torrid 2013, failing to finish on the podium for the first
time since 1980.
Telegraph Sport understands there will be more announcements on the
leadership of the team next month, with Whitmarsh’s position at the helm all
but finished.
For the new season Mexican Sergio Perez was dropped after just one year with
the Woking-based outfit for Dane Kevin Magnussen. “He’s a friendly guy, but
he’s intensely ambitious”, Neale said.
“Having said that, he’s very grounded too: he knows he’s on a steep learning
curve, and he’s well aware that his team-mate is 14 years ahead of him in
terms of Formula One experience. But, believe me, we have very high hopes
for Kevin.”
Jenson Button will have to face this season without his father, John, at his
side for the first time in his career.
“As you’d imagine, his [John’s] passing has been a huge shock to Jenson. But
Jenson is a courageous guy, and he’ll cope. More than that, in fact, I think
he’ll dig deep.”