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'At the touch of a button, we don't suddenly compete for the world title'

'At the touch of a button, we don't suddenly compete for the world title'

30-09-2020 08:37 Last update: 09:37

GPblog.com

McLaren was in big trouble before the start of the Formula 1 season due to the coronavirus, but there is no sign of that during the season. Have these problems now all been solved?

McLaren out of trouble

Because of the coronavirus, everyone came to a standstill, of course, and that was no different in the McLaren factory. Just as with Williams, this had major consequences for their finances, but the team kept their heads above water. Zak Brown had to make every effort to do this, but says that the team future is looking much better now.

''It didn't look good and it really wasn't good, but it didn't really have any impact on the team's progress because we simply couldn't do anything. When we could get back to work, we were already through it. We were fragile for COVID, but the good news is that that's now behind us,'' says Brown to Motorsport.com.

The five-year plan

It is not for nothing that McLaren has stood up for the budget ceiling that will be set in Formula 1 from 2021 and is still happy with this rule. Other teams may have an advantage in the short term, but Brown is confident that his team can take the next step.

''We already have a wind tunnel, simulators and CFD, but in recent years we have invested very little in them and we need to catch up. In 2022, the battle will really start. We are now in a five-year plan and we have been working on it for a number of years. We are on course, but at the push of a button we will not suddenly compete for the world title next year or in 2022'', Brown also remains realistic.