McLaren Mercedes team principal Martin Whitmarsh has admitted that Force India’s performance in Belgium has given them a “kick up the pants”.
While McLaren struggled for pace in both qualifying and the race at Spa, Force India leapt from the back of the grid to claim pole position before fighting for the win.
“They were quick all the way through Spa, they caught us out and they have given us a kick up the pants,” he said. “We don’t necessarily enjoy being kicked up the pants, but it is good for the sport.
“The efforts and the sporting success is great, it is overdue and I am sure it is the sort of thing that will encourage Vijay [Mallya, team owner] and the sponsors of that team and the supporters of that team to believe that it is possible.”
“They may slip back at the next race, but there is the hope and expectation that they can do this - and that it is a motivational thing. For the media, for the fans who are reading this story - it is fantastic. It is great.”
| 
|