A lighthearted moment at the MCL40 launch has sparked a friendly debate among F1 fans. Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, couldn't resist a playful joke at the expense of the team's 2017 car, the MCL32, as he introduced the new season's contender.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, a little cheeky! Brown's quip was a subtle dig at the team's past struggles, a not-so-subtle reminder of how far they've come.
Lando Norris, the British driver who will defend his F1 drivers' title in the MCL40, has a unique perspective. He joined the team in 2019, just as ground effects were reintroduced, giving him a three-year experience gap with the new F1 cars.
When asked about the feel of the new cars, Norris described them as "definitely more pre-2017/18" with "more power and a bit more undergripped." He added, "It's exciting to have a challenge behind the wheel."
But Brown couldn't resist a playful interruption, joking, "I sure hope it's not like our 2017 car!" to a chorus of laughter from the team.
And this is the part most people miss: Brown's joke highlights the team's remarkable turnaround. Just a decade ago, McLaren was in a very different position. In 2015, they scored a meager 27 points, and two years later, they managed only 30 points, resulting in a disappointing ninth-place finish - their worst result since 1980.
Norris, however, is confident. "It definitely won't be like the 2017 car," he assured, adding, "We're in a better place than ever, and I'm excited to see what the team has put together."
So, what do you think? Is Brown's joke a lighthearted reminder of McLaren's progress, or does it downplay the team's past struggles? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
