Zak Brown has given an explanation as to why McLaren decided to restructure their Formula 1 development department after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The British manufacturer opted to let James Key leave the team as they seek the solution to their poor start to the 2023 season, and Brown admitted that he was not at all happy with the rate of development throughout last year.
Andrea Stella’s promotion to team principal has now prompted these changes that Brown hopes can resurrect their season.
“I didn’t like our pace of development towards the second half of last year,” Brown told the media ahead of the Australian GP. “I didn’t feel like we were moving forwards.
“When you look at Aston, they have done a fantastic job in being ahead of where they finished last year.
“When we had our team principal change, I asked Andrea (Stella) to take a look at why and he restructured the department which has been a work in progress over the winter.”
One Australian for another
McLaren’s signing of Oscar Piastri to partner Lando Norris was the talk of the paddock for much of the 2022 season and the Melbourne native has impressed by getting into Q3 in Jeddah.
A broken front wing, which then scuppered Norris’ race, ended their hopes of points on the opening lap in the Middle East but Piastri’s pace has impressed Brown and he was keen to point that out when talking to the media.
“Well what we want to have is two drivers who are pushing each other,” Brown continued.
“The early indications are that Oscar will be on the same pace as Lando and the two of them will push each other hard and that is what you want out of your two drivers.”
