Following a successful conclusion to their 2023 season, there is widespread anticipation that McLaren will be more consistently contending for victories in the upcoming 2024 season. McLaren CEO Zak Brown perceives a significant challenge, describing it as “formidable,” as the team endeavors to narrow the gap at the forefront of Formula 1.
The team faced a challenging start to the 2023 season, acknowledging that they fell short of their pre-season targets. However, a pivotal moment came with the introduction of a substantial upgrade package to their MCL60 during the Austrian Grand Prix, leading to improved performance. Notably, Lando Norris secured podium finishes at Silverstone and Hungary.
Subsequent updates further propelled the team, allowing them to vie for podiums in races in Singapore, Japan, Qatar, and the United States. In an open letter, Zak Brown expressed appreciation for the unwavering efforts of the team, which, despite minimal changes, played a pivotal role in McLaren’s transformation from a back-of-the-grid position to a competitive force at the front.
Reflecting on the challenges faced in the early stages of the 2023 Formula 1 season, Brown highlighted the team’s resilience and composure under the leadership of Andrea Stella. He emphasized that, apart from a few alterations in leadership, the same dedicated individuals who commenced the season were instrumental in McLaren’s strong finish in 2023.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Brown conveyed the team’s commitment to building on the progress achieved in the current year. The team is diligently working on their 2024 challenger, aiming to intensify the competition and pose a greater challenge to their rivals.
Brown: All teams are locked in a quest for car development
McLaren finished fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of Aston Martin, and many believe they will be able to challenge Mercedes and Ferrari at the front next season.
Brown believes it will be difficult to continue their momentum, but he believes they can offer another season in which they will compete for wins.
“We face a formidable challenge next season in continuing to close the gap to the front,” Brown went on to say.
“All teams are locked in a quest for car development and greater pace that is just as fierce off the track as it is on it, but our team will rise to the challenge with its usual determination and relentless dedication.”