McLaren now believes Formula 1 podium finishes on merit are unlikely in 2013 following its Belgian Grand Prix result.The struggling team and lead driver Jenson Button had highlighted Spa as a potential turning point for McLaren as it introduced upgrades and arrived at a track it suspected would suit its package.
Although McLaren made a distinct step forward in Belgium, Button had to settle for sixth place.
The team’s sporting director Sam Michael reckons that result will set the tone for the remainder of the season.
“If you look at the last couple of races, Budapest and Spa, we have improved our performance,” said Michael during a Vodafone teleconference.
“It’s not where we need to be as McLaren but previous to those last two races we didn’t have the ability to run with some of the top cars and challenge them.
“But there is still a gap between us and Red Bull and a decent gap to Mercedes as well. If you look at the other teams, such as Lotus and Ferrari, we are getting close there.
“Spa was a good one for us and we finished sixth there on merit, no one dropped out and there was nothing unusual about the race that resulted in us inheriting positions. It was done on pace. Monza should be good for us as well.
“It will be difficult to score a podium based on full merit between now and the end of the year, particularly as we start to concentrate a lot on the 2014 car.
