Brown cautious after unveiling McLaren car: 'Have to be realistic'

Zak Brown could not believe his luck in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2024. After many years as McLaren's CEO, the American could at last celebrate his first (Constructors') world title. With the MCL39, launched Thursday, Brown hopes to match that feat, but realises it will be a difficult feat to accomplish.

After the new McLaren was put through its paces for the first time at Silverstone during a shakedown, Brown spoke of an important moment for his team. "Today is a big milestone in our journey in the fight for the 2025 title. It’s great to get our Championship challenger, the MCL39, on track for the first time and to launch the culmination of the team’s hard work."

The American elaborated then on the goal being another title for McLaren: "We must be realistic that every team will have made progress over the winter. Last year highlighted just how much the grid has closed up, which is a brilliant thing for the sport. We believe we have made further steps forward since the Championship-winning MCL38 but we won’t know where we sit in the standings until we get into Qualifying in Australia."

"We’re a team that never stops racing and we’ll be giving it our all to bring both Championships back to Woking," the McLaren CEO concluded.