McLaren CEO Zak Brown has insisted that the team is treating winning both Formula 1 championships as “priorities” once the 2024 season resumes later this month.
The Woking-based squad recording 10 successive podiums and Sergio Perez’s struggles have seen Red Bull’s gap in the Constructors’ standings eroded to 42 points.
McLaren has developed its MCL38 into the most consistent car on the grid, but Lando Norris has rued mistakes seeing him still lag 76 points behind Max Verstappen.
The Briton missed a chance to gain seven more points on the Dutchman in Hungary when he obliged with a team order to allow team-mate Oscar Piastri to lead a 1-2.
McLaren’s call to orchestrate the lead back to Piastri, who took the lead at the start, has prompted suggestions that the team is reluctant to support Norris’ prospects.
However, Brown denied that McLaren is leaning more towards a Constructors’ win, citing that inroads in the Drivers’ Championship are essential to the side’s success.
When asked to explain where McLaren’s priorities lie going into the remaining 10 races, Brown told Sky Sports F1: “They are both priorities because, ultimately, to win the Constructors, we need our two drivers to be as high up as possible. I’d like to see both drivers in the top three.
“We’ve got second and fourth right now. The closer we get to the Drivers, the closer that’ll get us to the Constructors, so we’re going for both because all points count.”
With the team having returned to contesting multiple race victories, Brown has admitted that the natural next step in McLaren’s recent progression is to acquire a title.
“I guess the next big occasion for us would be trying to go for the championship. It’s certainly a nice feeling,” he expressed.
“The drivers, the team and everyone has done a wonderful job to get 10 podiums in a row. It is pretty awesome.
“To be competing for the Drivers’ and the Constructors’ Championship is a pretty cool place to be coming into the summer break.
“So there’s a lot of work you have to do, it’s not going to be easy.
“It’s going to be an exciting second part of the year, but I’m very happy with everything that’s been accomplished here at McLaren.”
However, Brown has warned that McLaren isn’t discounting those behind amid the revival that has seen Mercedes take three victories in four races prior to the break.
“We want to beat all nine teams,” he added. “Ferrari is not far behind us, so I think you can’t rule them out.
“Mercedes is on pace, won the last three of the last four races. Fortunately, we’ve got about a 100-point gap there.
“We might need every one of those points if they continue on the path they’re on.
“I expect them to be super strong in the second half of the year. So, I’m glad we got a little bit of a cushion.”
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