2 Years After His Glorious Podium, Lando Norris Accepts Zak Brown’s Subdued Expectations Amid McLaren’s Abomination

McLaren unveiled their Triple Crown livery after a historic display at the Indy 500. Their 60-year-old rich legacy has finally felt redeemed. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. But unfortunately, the Woking outfit has a heavy head and a heart because the Papaya team has been continuously faltering on the Formula 1 front. While Zak Brown made a ‘realistic’ assessment, the 2021 podium winner of Monaco, Lando Norris, has also accepted defeat.

A few days ago, Zak Brown, who has been titling on the Indy Car side of late, said that winning in Monaco is an unrealistic expectation. This is coming from a man who has the circuit of Monza tattooed on his arm as his boys Lando Norris and ex-driver Daniel Ricciardo claimed the circuit against all odds. And now the man who has made his mark on the historic circuit has subdued ambitions.

Lando Norris has set realistic expectations for himself and the team

As quoted by Formula Passion, Norris said, “The Circuit de Monaco is a historic track with great memories for both me and the team. My 2021 podium finish is a moment I am extremely proud of. This year, to mark the 60th anniversary of McLaren, we will be tackling the race in a special Triple Crown livery on the MCL60, which I am very excited about.”

The 23-year-old added, “Although this year’s results have not lived up to our expectations, everyone on the track and in the factory is determined to keep going and score points in this Monaco-Montmeló double. We will work hard and focus on race-by-race development.”

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But when will McLaren finally go back to winning days?

After giving up, Zak Brown sets a timeline to fight for the championship

While we thought after a forgettable show in 2022, McLaren would be on the road to redemption in 2023. Nothing of the sort has happened. And Zak Brown has now come up to set a timer. He has highlighted when the team will be back fighting at the top.

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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Do you think McLaren can overturn the current misfortunes?