It has been announced today that long-time McLaren test driver Gary Paffett will leave McLaren at the end of 2014 as the team switches from Mercedes to Honda power.
Paffett started working with McLaren in 2006 and has carried out crucial work in the development of the team’s cars in that time in the role of both test and reserve driver and completed hundreds of hours in its simulator.
Due to his long association to Mercedes-Benz Paffett will continue with the HWA team in the DTM championship, where he won the title in 2005.
In his interview with the media today, Paffett stated that he is happy to have worked for the team had nothing but praise for everyone he has worked with in the McLaren team and wishes them every success in the future. Paffett stated the following:-
‘I’ve loved working for McLaren and hope my feedback and input over the years has been beneficial. The engineers I’ve worked with have been kind enough to say that it has. I have many friends at McLaren, and I wish all of them the very best of luck for the future. Fingers crossed for a McLaren grand prix win or two next year!’
It is clear that Paffett has enjoyed his time with McLaren and has gained a lot as a driver from his time with them. Paffett will have gained from his time at McLaren which will prove helpful while driving in the DTM series. It is nice to see Paffett praising the talented personnel within the team and also wishing them luck for the future. And like Paffett I hope to see a McLaren win or two next season and see back to the front of the grid where they belong.
In his interview with the media today, McLaren CEO Jonathan Neale paid tribute to Paffett for the work he has carried out at the team. Neale stated the following:-
‘Gary has been an excellent member of the McLaren team for the best part of a decade, and his technical input, on test track and in simulator alike, has been hugely important to us. Just as important, he’s a great guy. We wish him well.’
Overall, it is clear that both parties despite going their separate ways have stated in the media today that they have benefited from their working relationship together and have gained a lot of it as a result over the years. Even though they will not benefit from each other and their experiences anymore, it is clear that McLaren and Paffett are parting amiciably and there are no bad feelings as a result which is pleasant to see in Formula One.
i am sure that many pundits and fans will echo Neale’s statements here in wishing Gary the best of luck for the future in whatever he does. As a McLaren fan, I thank him for all the years he has contributed to the team and that will never be forgotten by the McLaren team either and hope that his continued contribution will leave its mark on a team that is hoping to be successful once again as quickly as they possibly can.
In my opinion, Paffett had the potential and the talent to make it into Formula One but the opportunity was never presented to him and that is a shame. But I believe that Paffett will use this experience in everything that he does and to the highest level possible while driving in the DTM series.
