2 May 2023 18:00 (UTC)
We take a look back at Baku through your eyes
We know what you’re thinking, and we’re thinking it too. How is it May? It seems only moments ago that we were unveiling the MCL60, and yet here we are, four rounds in, with our first lot of upgrades already installed.
It’s been an up-and-down start to the season, but as we enter our favourite month of the year, there’s a sense of hope in the air. We may have only departed with two points in the bag from Baku, but that same metaphorical bag is also full of positives.
Our first release of improvements went smoothly, providing us with an injection of pace and a solid footing to build on. And whilst neither race went entirely how we’d have hoped, it feels like we still managed to maximise our lot: we took risks, we endured a poorly timed Safety Car, and Oscar battled through illness.
It’s the Miami Grand Prix up next, but that’s just the start, as there’s a whole lot of racing to be done in May. The grand prix come thick and fast from here, so without further ado, here’s what you made of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on social media…
Just doing our duty, @life_of_niksi.
Seems that we left a lasting legacy with our latest race poster.
I mean, it’s kind of what we were going for…
Lando has landed: Race mode activated.
Don’t we all! New merch days are the best days.
We’re all for quali Fridays, but we’d recommend booking them off work to enjoy the true experience. At least you could both rep your papaya merch in the office.
Unlike poor, @Mrsklipp… Thankfully, you found a creative way around the problem.
There’s no such thing as too many McLaren caps.
Yes, you absolutely did, @GBrown84, and we love you for it. Never change… out of that blazer.
Looks like we’ve got a new Sydney-based mascot. Welcome to the papaya family, Mimi McLaren.
You’re very welcome, @Singmetothesun.
With our first upgrade package of the season installed, we hit the track on Friday with a fresh sense of optimism, and it seemed the Papaya Army shared our sentiments.
These were just the first of multiple upgrade packages this season, of which we won’t see the full extent until later in the year, but the early signs were positive.
At the end of qualifying, both cars had made it into Q3 for the first time this season, with Lando in seventh and Oscar eighth.
We’re obsessed with the new Mitchell & Ness Miami range.
We started Saturday with a spring in our step as we got set to tackle our first F1 Sprint of the season.
You could have smiled, Liam.
Knowing we didn’t quite have the pace to compete against those around us, we tried something different in the Sprint, but unfortunately, the gamble didn’t pay off. Both drivers ran in the top 10 for a while, but by the chequered flag, Lando had fallen to 17th and Oscar to 11th. It was frustrating, but we took the learnings and quickly put it to the back of our minds, switching our attention to the all-important race on Sunday.
The Theatre of Dreams is the McLaren Technology Centre, right, @TaBiSuzemebachi? Right?
Best make it a more regular occurrence then, @Julia_ee_. Great to see you repping the McLaren merch.
After a few extremely late nights due to the time difference on the weekend of the Australia Grand Prix, our British support base were out in full force for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, relieved to be able to get a regular night’s sleep.
And some of you even managed to fit in a run before the race!
And it was great to see our Australian fanbase sticking with us, despite being on the opposite end of the time difference on this occasion.
Papaya hair don’t care. We are loving the dedication to McLaren, @_Chris1Chris_. How about dyeing the beard to match?
Right, enough talk of hair and beauty regimes. It was time to go racing.
It ended up being a tough race as a Safety Car on Lap 11 handed those around us the chance to pit and remain ahead, when we had already changed our tyres just one lap earlier.
Following the Safety Car, Lando got stuck behind Hulkenberg. At one point, it looked as if he’d never get past, but the British racer never gave up and eventually found a way ahead of the Haas in the closing laps, securing himself some points.
Oscar didn’t manage to make it into the points himself, finishing 11th, but the Australian had been ill all weekend and did extremely well to even get so close to the top 10. You did us proud, Oscar.
As ever, the support of our fans and the wider McLaren team kept us going. Thanks for continuing to stick with us, team. We love you all.
Onwards and upwards. The Miami Grand Prix is up next, and it promises to be vibrant! Rest up, and we’ll see you there in just a few days’ time.
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