Every one at McLaren have been downplaying the expectations with every single upgrade and each time there have been noticeable improvements.
A car design that fundamentally flawed to run in hot conditions for a circuit that runs primarily in summer conditions seems silly. Granted, design doesn't necessarily yield ideal results (e.g. Haas) but what's the point in developing a car that I still going to have that has a liability. it sounds like an easy downplay for the to use and the media is eating it up.
They creating a car that can compete with Red Bull, you don't attempt to do that with a fundamental flaw, you do that with eliminating that fundamental flaw.
I am new to F1 and new to McLaren. So maybe I do not have years of encrusted disappointments to shed. However, I also been around sports long enough that optimism needs to be in check.
BTW, I know disappointments well, I am a New Orleans Saints fan since the 70s. Founded in '66, we did not have a winning season until 87. In the late 70s we had hopeful mediocre years before crashing to 1-15. Then Coach Bum brought us to the brink only to lose in the final game of the season. Finally making the playoff in 87, we started 3-3 winning 9 straight before being destroyed by the Vikings. We would win our first division title in 91, but it will take to 2000 to win a playoff game. In 2009 we won our only Super Bowl appearance. people today may see us as a perennially winning team, but we have a history of disappointments and I lived through them all. No McLaren Glory days for us!
llet's enjoy this ride, sports can be a roller coaster!