“Most Unserious Team”: Papaya Army Left “Depressed” as McLaren Seems All at Sea With Recent F1 Horrors Lingering On

McLaren‘s recent years haven’t justified what the team stands for and aren’t even the closest reflection of its glory. And though things appeared to be getting back in order with gradual improvements, their last year’s performance dip had set them back again. And from the looks of it, things are going to be bad for them again this year. Why do we say this?

We say this because the team has encountered the same issues that they met last year during the pre-season testing as well as the early rounds. In 2022, during the testing in Bahrain, Lando Norris and the team lost plenty of crucial time due to the brake issue, and in particular the cooling of the brakes. The parts had to be flown in urgently, and one would think that it wouldn’t repeat itself. But surprise, surprise. The issues have returned, as Fox Sports reports, “A front tyre deflector failure forced Norris into a long stint in the garage as the team cobbled together repairs.”

The team’s new team principal, Andrea Stella, dismissed serious concerns over the issue, saying, “A few very minor issues, which are common at testing. There were some short delays caused by the team wanting to reinforce the bodywork in some places in order to prevent a failure.” But all of this didn’t gel well with the fans, who were outraged at the team’s plans and “unseriousness” to compete at the highest level of motorsport.

Fans thrash McLaren for repetitive failures

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been said to be one of the most dynamic pairings on the grid, despite Piastri’s rookie status. But the drivers can only be as good as their cars allow them to be, something that the fans pointed out as they registered their complaints against the team. A repetition of similar issues troubles the papaya army as they now prepare themselves for a disappointing season after a rather disappointing car launch.

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McLaren will ultimately compete with Alpine for the best of the rest fan award. But from the looks of it, they are slipping in the fight, as Alpine showed good signs at the end of the last season but appears to be at the same level as McLaren.

Is this an overreaction by the fans, or do you think it is justified? 

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Seeing your team’s car go off for silly issues makes a fan sad. But if history has taught McLaren fans anything, it’s to brace themselves for a roller-coaster season.