Zak Brown has urged his McLaren team to manage their expectations ahead of what could prove to be a difficult weekend in Monaco. It has been an up and down start to the season for the Woking-based squad who, after starting 2022 on the backfoot with brake issues, found form with a strong double-points finish in Australia. From there, Lando Norris claimed a podium at Imola as one of four points-scoring finishes for the Briton this term, while Daniel Ricciardo has only placed inside the top 10 once. Now they head to Monaco, a track that promises to throw challenge after challenge at McLaren's James Key-designed MCL36.
Brown: Monaco does not play into McLaren's strengths
Brown does not believe Monaco will play into the hands of the MCL36, a car that has only excited its drivers at fast and flowing circuits this season. "We don't think Monaco necessarily suits our car. It's a lot of slow-speed corners and that's not one of our strengths," said Brown, speaking to Sky Sports F1 . "We tend to be quicker in the high-speed tracks, which is why we saw a better result in Imola. "It's a very competitive season. We've been on the podium but we've also been at the back and everywhere in the middle."
McLaren could benefit from Monaco rain
Monaco could throw up a few surprises, with the sport's new cars untested through the narrow, twisting streets of Monte Carlo. This year's machines are easier to follow, but are heavier, bigger and less nimble than in recent seasons. There could also be rain on race day, with some showers potentially forecast on Sunday afternoon, just after the 78-lap race is set to begin. Such a turn of events could benefit McLaren, as Brown admits that anything could happen should the Monaco Grand Prix develop into a "crazy race". "You never know," he said. "It's difficult to pass so it really is all about qualifying, so let's see. "But I think we've got to manage our own expectations."
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