McLaren CEO Zak Brown does think his position is secure as long as shareholders see progress being made in the coming years.
The American chief claims to have set out a five-year plan to turn around the British team’s fortunes which began with the exit of racing director Eric Boullier back in the summer.
However, with results continuing to slip he knows the pressure is as much on him to deliver success back to the historic Formula 1 outfit.
“I think from a time standpoint, clearly we need to show progress. The shareholders are extremely committed,” he said.
“We’re hiring, so they’re investing in the racing team, and I think anyone who invests wants to see a return and progress.
“There’s not a specific timetable in that X has to be achieved by Y date,” Brown noted. “I think what they want to see as we all want to see is us moving forward, but there’s no specific timeline on that.”
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Also putting his faith in McLaren going forward is Carlos Sainz, who joins from Renault for the 2019 season.
And while flaws with the chassis design proved the main problem this year, the Spaniard actually thinks more needs to come from his former team, who are also the Woking squads engine supplier.
“I need Renault next year, for them to think about the engine and really make a step,” Sainz admitted. “If not, Mercedes and Ferrari, even Honda, they’re going to keep evolving and creating this gap which is very difficult to cut back.
“It’s difficult to say, but I really hope this situation starts getting a bit better and we have a closer field.”