McLaren managing director Zak Brown admitted that while they were still happy with any podium result, the team's expectations had changed and second or third place was no longer as encouraging as in previous years.
It was a long way from McLaren to be considered a winning team again, but with the development package implemented in Miami, the team took the final step and became Red Bull's main rival. Moreover, in terms of speed, it often surpassed the defending champion.
With ten races to go before the end of the season, the Orangemen have a chance to win both the individual and constructors’ championships – especially the latter. Team managing director Zak Brown admitted in this regard before the Dutch Grand Prix that McLaren, which has celebrated podiums as victories for years, has changed its expectations and second or third place is no longer a source of joy.
“Of course it has changed… We have finished second several times and now we have tasted victory.“He told Autosport,” he said.“Second place is a great result. We celebrate at every podium, because these are huge achievements. We don't take them too seriously.”
“But we want to win and we know we are in a position to win. So when we finish second this year or come within half a second of (victory) like we did at Imola and get close like we did in Canada, second place will be a little bit better than we were a few years ago when we got back on the podium.” He explained.
According to Brown, Lando Norris's often self-deprecating and frustrating comments are closely linked to the fact that McLaren's expectations have changed.The desire to win has increased. He has always been a great driver, it took a long time to give him a winning car. Nowadays we arrive everywhere with a chance to win. That brings more excitement, but the expectations are also higher and the whole team feels that.” He said.
McLaren received a lot of criticism during the summer break when they lost important points and even wins due to tactical decisions or operational errors. Brawn described these mistakes as inevitable and stressed that the team learned from them.Part of the mistakes we've made this year stem from the fact that we're a young team that hasn't been at the top regularly for a long time.”
“We didn’t take the opportunities we had at Silverstone. It worked in Hungary, but not without all the excitement. So I think we need more time. I think Toto (Wolff) said it very well when he said, we don’t learn these things until we go into battle.” He pointed out.
Looking ahead, Brawn remains confident about McLaren's future, stressing the importance of the racing routine he has established this year.Now that we're in the fight, we've learned some things along the way, but that's perfectly fine. I always tell the team that mistakes are okay, we just have to learn from them and not make them again. That way, we'll be smarter next time. So I'm calm, we're learning a lot this year“And he concluded.
Lando Norris (Image: XPB)
