A recurrent theme for McLaren under Zak Brown has been one of the missing deadlines. In 2023, the Woking-based team missed their all-important developmental goals at the beginning of the season, which led to a disastrous start for the team. But what has hit the team the most is the fact that the positive momentum they had going for themselves, 2022 onwards, has now completely vanished.

Essentially, at the back of the grid once again, McLaren will surely be ruing their missed opportunities. Back in 2021, McLaren CEO Zak Brown proclaimed that by 2024, the Papaya team would have become a championship contender. But if 2023 is anything to go by, the team has slipped further back, rather than taking that huge step forward. Now, in light of their failures, Brown seems to have pushed the agenda of winning a few more years down the line.

Zak Brown pushes the championship goalpost farther away

Anyone who has followed the Woking-based outfit for a while now knows that they are underperforming. However, Brown believes that an upturn in their fortunes isn’t that far away. The only caveat is that the fans of the team will have to hold their breath for at least two more years.

On the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Brown explained, “Our goal next year is to get back to a 2021-type season. A handful of podiums, a pole, a win. You know, mix it up. In 2025, we will have had everything that we need. I think we will be winning races in 2025. We’ve got the new era starting in 2026.”

“You know, on paper, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be fighting for the championship.” 

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In terms of car performance, a lot hasn’t changed. So, where does McLaren aim to finish this season?

McLaren reveals their 2023 expectations

2023 has been hugely disappointing for McLaren. Having missed their targets by their own admission, the team is expected to play catch-up with their rivals for the remainder of the season. However, the field is very tightly packed this year. Hence, Zak Brown is still optimistic about a high finish.

According to Sky Sports F1, “McLaren chief executive Zak Brown thinks fourth in the constructors’ championship is a realistic goal for 2023 but believes his team can begin to challenge F1’s front three from 2024 onwards.”

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McLaren currently sits 5th in the standings and a long way away from 4th. Can they reach their 2023 targets?