McLaren dampen expectations at launch of latest F1 car
During a period when there should be high hopes for Aussie Oscar Piastri, his Formula 1 team abruptly halted any progress. During the latter part of the 2023 season, McLaren became a significant contender in securing Formula 1 podium finishes.
Red Bull enjoyed a dominant season, achieving remarkable success. Meanwhile, McLaren’s promising talents Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris performed exceptionally well in the latter part of the year, securing nine podium finishes collectively.
Additionally, Piastri emerged victorious in the sprint race held in Qatar.
“So, one would assume that there would be a great deal of positivity coming from the British team when they unveiled their car for 2024, correct? However, that is not the case.”
Instead of being optimistic or excited, the Woking team expressed a sense of being realistic and cautious when they unveiled their new MCL38 machine.
At a time when other teams are talking up their prospects for the new season, McLaren chief executive Zak Brown was noticeably pumping the brakes.
“It’s awesome to be able to launch our 2024 competitor, the MCL38, at Silverstone today,” he said on Thursday (AEDT).
“It’s great to see our new car in its 2024 livery on track and see the hard work and dedication of the team come together.
“The fantastic thing about this sport is how competitive it is and therefore we must remain realistic as every team will have made progress in the offseason.
“The true test of whether we’ve made steps in the right direction will be qualifying in Bahrain.
“We’re all excited to go racing again, but we know there’s a long season ahead of us and a lot of work still to do to ensure we build on the progress we made throughout 2023.”
Piastri and Norris both got some time in the new car this week, running a maximum of 200km permitted at a very wet Silverstone track.
Young Australian Piastri was at least a little more excited than Brown. A little.
“First time back in the car, loved being back on track,” he said on McLaren’s X page.
“Obviously a bit hard to get a read on what the car is like, it’s been a typically wet and cold and soggy day at Silverstone.
Twelve months on, however, the team is far more advanced than that disappointing start, as Norris told the Formula 1 website after his first brief foray in the new car.
“Compared to the last few years, I think we’re in a much better position,” he said.
Yet the team’s principal Andrea Stella was very much singing from the Brown hymn sheet when discussing hopes for 2024, stating they were yet to address “all the areas” with the MCL38.
“The team are excited to present the MCL38 today and to see it on track for the first time,” he said.
“Going into this year, we look to build on the momentum of last season, but are realistic in the knowledge that every team will have made progress and found competitiveness for their 2024 cars.
Come on guys !! Make a good competitor, Lando deserves a win
“We have now successfully established all the necessary elements, including infrastructure, personnel, and culture, enabling us to progress further and enhance the accomplishments made in order to regain our leading position in the competition.”
“Prior to engaging in competitive sessions on the circuit, we have numerous tasks to accomplish, one of which involves thoroughly examining the MCL38’s performance during the Bahrain pre-season test.”Â
