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McLaren expect to spend another year of growth in 2017 before they can begin to think about the title, says Executive Director Zak Brown.
Brown, who took up his role at McLaren near the end of last year, admits that he is very frustrated to not see McLaren winning. The last time the team took a victory was the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix at the hands of Jenson Button.
"I think they are all frustrated, as you can imagine, and eager to get back to our winning ways," said Brown. "I don't think our results the last couple years were something that the team is accustomed to. They don't like it. And they want to turn things around."
McLaren will field veteran Fernando Alonso and new boy Stoffel Vandoorne for 2017, with many fans excited by the potential of the pairing. However Brown has told fans not to expect any victories to come their way in 2017.
"At the same time, one step at a time," he continued. "So while we're doing all the right things I think for success, we need to keep moving up the grid. But I would caution [that] we are not going to be winning any races next year, I don't anticipate. So we need to be measured on forward progress, as opposed to ultimate results in 2017. We've got the enthusiasm to be winning races and the championship, but I don't think we're there yet with our overall package."
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
158 members have this team as their favourite
Replies (12)
Login to replybremgarten
Posts: 38
I hope that McLaren can start to mix it with the Ferraris and Red Bulls this year.
ianf1
Posts: 185
Surely that means Alonso to Mercedes for 2018? Can't see him falling for the "we'll definitely win next year" line for a fourth year
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
It's a given
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
No one is asking to win the title but if you cant even be in the running for the top 3 places on a regular basis then you are in no position to aim for anything serious even in 2018. Mclaren are done for and Alonso is going to walk away come 2017 end
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Alonso will stay if the car excites him I think
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Driving for Minardi can also be existing if it's your first time in F1. That's just an overused meeting room cliche now. There is nothing exciting for F1 drivers who have been in F1 long enough to merely drive an F1 car. Winning is what counts for them.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
typo: existing* = exciting
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
But if Alonso fully believes he can win at McLaren?
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
You honestly believe that? He is the one who left Ferrari to a place which is far worse shape because he wasn't winning at Ferrari. What he believes or he claims to believe it is not what he was getting so he left. He will leave Mclaren too either to Mercedes or to retire from F1
Wolfgang
Posts: 313
"You honestly believe that? He is the one who left Ferrari to a place which is far worse shape because he wasn't winning at Ferrari. What he believes or he claims to believe it is not what he was getting so he left. He will leave Mclaren too either to Mercedes or to retire from F1"
-> I think he didn´t consider the Honda engines being that bad at that time. The chassis wasn´t too bad in 2014 with Merc engines..
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
@Wolfgang: And that's exactly my point, he said he was living his dream with Ferrari and that he cant imagine being anywhere else plus that he wanted to retire from F1 while a Ferrari driver and then what happened? He fled to McLaren thinking Honda would be great. Now Honda and mclaren are both turds, he will leave the moment the contracts ends. Mclaren have already thrown in the towel for 2017 as expected. Alonso is hardly interested in fighting for 4th place heck not even 3rd place, he wants to win and win soon.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im still cautiously optimistic. I hardly expect wins, but a fight for the top four would be nice.