McLaren F1 cannot be convinced it will be the favorite team next year, but Zak Brown, its CEO, believes it will be in the group of favorites. A nuance that he explains, and that he justifies by very strong competition.
“To think we are favorites would be arrogant” Brown said. “I don't see why we couldn't be one of the favorites. There are four teams that regularly win races, so I don't see how you can put someone in the position of favorite for next year. “
“To Peter Prodromou's credit, he came into this year thinking we could win the world championship. I didn't believe it. Now I think next year we are going to try to win the world championship. manufacturers and pilots.”
“That's everyone's mindset, but I know there are at least three other teams, and maybe a surprise, but at least three other teams that will have the same mindset , and I think they have as good a chance as anyone else.”
The American is proud of his driver duo, made up of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri: “Every race weekend you saw the best driver duo in Formula 1, Lando and Oscar, get behind the wheel of the MCL38 and work for this team.”
“More often than not this year they have been at the forefront, with six Grand Prix wins, 21 podiums and eight pole positions, including a run of 14 consecutive podiums, the second longest run in our history.”
“Our drivers did us proud. Lando pushed Max to his limits in the drivers' championship and is the first driver to finish second for us since Jenson [Button] in 2011.”
“And in only his second season, Oscar became the first McLaren driver to finish fourth for us since Lewis [Hamilton] in 2012. On and off the track, both have made huge strides this year, showing they have what it takes to challenge for the championship.”
Brown praises Norris for understanding how to fight Max Verstappen: “Lando has learned how to take on Max. Max is transparent in the way he runs, try to go to the outside… he doesn't let you go to the outside. I think Lando fought well in Mexico and that he avoided the accident.”
He's also happy that Norris didn't opt for a Hamilton-like approach in 2021 against Verstappen: “I know Lewis eventually said 'well, this might end in tears for both of us'.”
“We can't afford that lesson. I think Lando did the right thing. I think he knows where and how to ride Max, and I think he'll ride him differently next year.”
