Brown despite 'overwhelming dominance' Verstappen: 'Wasn't a boring year'

"When you look at Verstappen's overwhelming dominance, it might seem like a boring year, but it wasn't," Brown, quoted by Marca, observed. According to the American, the races were more spectacular than in past seasons. "Every race was very exciting and I think it was better than other years."

Zak Brown had hoped to be a little closer to the top teams with McLaren with the entry of the new regulations, but that turned out to be vain hope. The team finished fifth in the constructors' championship, one place behind rival Alpine. So it wasn't a great first for the Woking-based team under the revamped rules, but Brown is happy with the extra spectacle.

"I think everyone was worried that the cars would be the same. They certainly aren't. There are a lot of different concepts. New rules always need refining, but I think we [Formula 1 in general] have done well. The racing has been very exciting this year," the 51-year-old top executive concluded.

McLaren will look for (honour) recovery in 2023 with Oscar Piastri replacing Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian rookie's task is simple: to get as close as possible to Lando Norris, who is already entering his fifth year at McLaren.