Zak Brown: McLaren won't be ahead in 2017

McLaren is trying to recover since its descent into hell in 2015 when the British team reconnected with Honda. 9th in 2015 and 6th last year, the Woking manufacturer has been chasing victory since its last success at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix with Jenson Button. As for the coronation, the last one dates back to 2008 with Lewis Hamilton.

Zak Brown, who replaced Ron Dennis at the head of McLaren Technology Group a few weeks ago, is aware that there is still a long way to go for the brand to return to the top of the podium.

“I am in constant contact with Jonathan (Neale, McLaren Group Operations Manager) and Eric (Boullier, Team Principal), as well as the chief engineers, and I believe we will have a competitive chassis in 2017”, commented Zak Brown on the official website of the F1.

“I'm not stupid enough to make precise predictions, but everything indicates that we will achieve our objectives with the implementation of the new regulations. Eric has just informed me that we have just passed all the crash tests. We all know that 2015 and 2016 were learning years and that we won't be at the forefront in 2017, but we are all working very hard to improve.", added Ron Dennis' replacement.

Zak Brown took the opportunity to defend his drivers, notably Fernando Alonso who left the Team Ferrari at the end of the 2014 season.

“I don’t see Fernando as being disenchanted at all. I don't know him well, but I've met him a few times. Even though our car wasn't very competitive last year, some of its maneuvers were incredible. For me, he is the best driver in the world right now”, added Zak Brown.