McLaren keeps its back straight: 'First big setback'

McLaren was hoping to finally join the top teams in Formula 1 this season, but a mediocre season start left the stable trailing Ferrari and Red Bull Racing. However, the team remains relaxed, which seems to be having a positive effect. This is stated by Scott Mitchell at The Race.

The team of Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris suffered brake problems during the winter tests in Barcelona and Bahrain, forcing McLaren to shift its focus. It caused both drivers to perform disappointingly in the first two Grands Prix. Meanwhile, the results have returned to positive territory.

"Being confronted with a flawed car, and potentially a slow one, at the start of major new technical regulations marked the first big setback of the Zak Brown/Seidl era," stated Mitchell, who believes McLaren is a long way from being able to sit still. "While it’s encouraging for McLaren to have not spiralled into a decline at the first sign of trouble after years of making progress, there’s still work to be done."

Behind the scenes, meanwhile, McLaren seems to be talking about Ricciardo's future. The Australian's performance is still disappointing, so the formation seems to be considering parting with him. However, this will only be possible in 2023 when his commitment expires.