Zak Brown, the manager of McLaren Formula 1, has expressed amazement at the team’s impressive season-long performance, which has put them in a close race with Red Bull for the championship. The last part of the season should be exciting, as McLaren and Red Bull are only 42 points apart in the constructors’ title.
Surprising Success
Brown admitted to being “surprised” by McLaren Formula 1’s position as the season approaches its final 10 races. “Red Bull had such an advantage over everyone and Mercedes has been so dominant,” he told BBC Sport. “I thought we’d continue to close the gap. Did I think we’d be here at the summer break, one race away from getting the lead? No.”
Though taken aback, Brown is happy with the team’s development. After the sixth race of the season, They were 115 points behind Red Bull, although they have subsequently reduced the gap considerably. McLaren’s performance has significantly improved with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri consistently finishing on the podium.
Current Challenges
Brown acknowledges that there fight for the constructors’ championship is far from over. The team is closely watching Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, whose recent slump has contributed to the narrowing gap. “If Perez continues to perform as he has this year, we have a pretty good chance, because we have two drivers constantly performing at the front,” Brown said.
In the drivers’ championship, Norris trails Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 78 points. Brown recognizes that while McLaren’s position is strong, catching Verstappen, known for his consistent high-level performance, will be a tough challenge.
Learning from Mistakes
Brown is candid about McLaren’s mistakes and learning curve this season. Errors in strategy and race starts have cost valuable points. However, he views these as learning opportunities. “We’ve all made a variety of errors, which to me are learning experiences,” he said. “We wouldn’t make these mistakes again. We’re learning.”
The British Grand Prix, where McLaren missed out on a potential first and second place finish, stands out as a missed opportunity. Brown remains optimistic about the team’s growth and improvement.
Revitalizing McLaren
The team’s revival can be attributed to significant changes made since Andrea Stella was appointed team principal in December 2022. Stella’s appointment, following Andreas Seidl’s departure, marked a turning point. “He unlocked the talent that we already had here,” Brown noted. “We weren’t able to let the talent we have in here flourish.”
Stella’s leadership has been pivotal, with Brown emphasizing that the key to McLaren’s turnaround was not just adding new talent but empowering the existing team.
McLaren’s Road to Recovery
McLaren’s resurgence is remarkable given the team’s struggles over the past decade. When Brown joined McLaren in 2016, the team was in a challenging state. Since then, Brown has overseen changes in engine suppliers and strategic shifts that have contributed to McLaren’s current competitive form.
Addressing Controversies
Brown has also been vocal on various issues affecting the sport, including the controversy surrounding Red Bull’s budget cap breach and ongoing allegations involving Red Bull’s Christian Horner. Brown advocates for transparency and integrity in the sport, a stance that has occasionally put him at odds with other teams.
Future Prospects
Despite speculation, Brown has ruled out pursuing Adrian Newey, the renowned designer, indicating confidence in McLaren’s current team. “We’re not going to sign Adrian. I’m very happy with the team,” Brown stated. “We can get the job done. I’m happy with the race team we have and we’re going to try to win the world championship with the team sitting here today.”
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Brown anticipates a thrilling battle among the top teams. “It’s going to be a slug-fest between all four teams [Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari]. You’re going to see epic battles. Eight drivers that can show up at almost any track and win, and it’s going to be exciting.”
With the championship fight intensifying, McLaren’s performance and strategic decisions will be crucial in the closing races of the season.
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