Emag wrote: ↑07 Feb 2022, 21:47
Apparently Zak Brown spoke at the Oxford Union today and was happy to share some goals for the team this season.
Mainly:
- He predicts Ferrari to be much more competitive this year, and for McLaren to be off the pace to Ferrari in comparison to last year, but closer to Mercedes and Red Bull (so remaining 4th)
Goal is to close the gap, win a couple of races, make it into Q3 as much as possible
New investments last year has allowed for the construction of a new wind tunnel and simulator, to be completed in 2023 - he predicts that the first year that McLaren will be able to build a championship contending car is 2024.
For an overall summary
So don't get your hopes too high for this season people! Although, I am not gonna like, the "win a couple of races" goal being there is making me think they are somewhat optimistic on their chances. I wasn't expecting them to fight for the championship this year anyway, but if they actually manage to win >=1 races, I think it would be a decent season.
It's about managing expectations.
Zak and Andreas have been doing all this 'low profile game' since 2020.
Too much 'hype' on Ferrari revival to the front grid, some saying 'a dangerous' team to watch, and so on.
For me, 2022 is a clean sheet. We will only know the packing order until Q3 qualifying session in Bahrain.
Just enjoy up coming team launches coming days and weeks with those new aero look and tech.