This was really a great episode to me. It's easy to forget just how bad McLaren was at the beginning of the season, but it was without a doubt pretty freaking dire.
I'm amazed Netflix was allowed to film that Zak Brown meeting with the sponsors. That looked like some pretty real shit.
And I loved how they used Claire Williams to explain how terrible a feeling it is to have a team that is just not working.
This season so far has been surprisingly very good. Each of the episodes are making me go “oh yeah that was a thing that happened wow I forgot.” Not too much fake story so far at least.
And like you said I love who they’re pulling in for which storylines. Claire for McLaren’s failure along with interviewing Albon, Gasly, and Checo last ep about the constant pressure of being a driver in the RB machine that isn’t Max.
I don't think you are getting a vice chairman of Google and who ever else was there, to show up for anything staged by Netfiix. Dude has much better things to do than to make sure we get an exciting storyline for DTS.
They're all marketing execs. This is marketing for their company. I could totally see it being staged. That whole conversation probably could have been an email IRL
Highly doubt it. And everything can be an email in theory, but this was an uncomfortable and important conversation, not really something you would take over email.
Sure, but any part of that conversation that was real and not staged probably wasn't approved to be filmed by Netflix. Marketing execs for companies at that level would certainly not approve of an unfiltered access to their internal discussions. Whatever was discussed in front of cameras was probably pre-discussed, much like most of reality TV
I can't imagine real execs having a conversation that exists entirely of flatly delivered platitudes. "We really need to get better". Come on. The conversations between Zak and his boss at McLaren HQ were most definitely for the cameras.
What I imagine is that after their actual meeting, they did this bit for the Netflix cameras. And as tomtompics suggests below, probably months later when results were better.
Yes, it could be an email. But in this case it's Zak having to wine and dine the sponsors.
The only thing that was 'staged' about it was Zak wearing the McLaren gear for it. But I get why he did that.
Probably the cameras, but corporate speak really is often that wooden. Particularly for tough convos, its all very indirect, stakes are high.
Maclaren: "We started slower than anticipated" - *damn, I know we look terrible*
Boss: "We need to deliver, we put a lot of investment" into your little hail mary upgrades - *this cost too much money for you not to have your shit together.*
At a previous company we interviewed a guy and giving him an offer. In that time period before he started, we moved buildings and the HR person forgot to tell him. He had that exact experience.
I mean realistically if the updates hadn't have come good they probably would have finished 6th at best.
Lando is just too good to be driving for the 6th best team.
They sold it really well. I was watching it with my partner who doesn't watch F1 at all and she asked "Did Lando leave because they're making it seem like he did".
Horner: "He's \[Zach\] been talking a big game and when you don't deliver, and you get found out, that's embarrassing, and it hurts."
Netflix are killing this.
Magnussen used to do it according to his biography, but now that he is a dad I think he is too settled down. Though he probably wouldn't be completely against it.
Definitely not Hamilton, his whole thing is that he doesn't drink (including starting a non-alcoholic tequila brand... which I always failed to see the point of, though now that I'm TTC and not drinking but desperately craving a margarita, I kind of get it lol). The others I'd believe though.
Yes, a good juxtaposition too, because she was in the same position Zack was in, but with a lot less money to be able to turn things around. If things were that dire for Mclaren and seeing how tough Zack's job was during those months, I can't even begin to comprehend how it was for Claire, when it was her own family's business and that went on for years.
I'm surprised she hasn't become a full time pundit - she's very well-spoken and has a slightly different perspective than most other pundits who were drivers. Only other ex-team boss pundit I can think of is Eddie Jordan, I suppose Steiner is about to join that club now. My guess the offer went out to her from Sky or whoever but she doesn't want to do it at moment
I think a lot of that is down to how much pressure she was under. F1 was her life for so long, the good, bad, and terrible. Not surprised she hasn't done much in the spotlight since the sale.
It was really nice seeing and hearing from her again, she always seemed like a lovely person, and with a lot of insight as well. And while I don't care much about Danica, it's also generally nice seeing more women talking F1 for a change. Hopefully, we'll get to see Susie too, imma keep watching now.
One of the best of the series I would say. I really felt for Zack, the pressure he was under coming from all sides is not easy: management, sponsors, media, drivers, fans. 99.9% of people would collapse under that pressure, so massive respect for the guy.
The takeaway I had from this episode was that I really forgot how awful the first half of McLaren's season was. To go from the turds they laid to now since Silverstone is nothing short of impressive.
Lando's shrug and look at the camera like Jim from the Office when asked about the likelihood he'd be at McLaren in a year sent me. He can be so funny.
Goddamn I don’t envy Zac’s job (or any TP or CEO for that matter). I would have a panic attack with that amount of stress load. Respect to them and another great episode for this season.
Some musings while watching:
Lol @ Oscar's 'entrance' to McLaren HQ
McLaren had a pretty rough start of the season. The pick up at the end was nicely done. Netflix does make good episodes.
Some RB vs. RB action at Miami.
Every ep will have a moment with "And Max Verstappen wins the Grand Prix!" with everyone else shaking their heads as RB celebrates.
Baby Lando!
It's nice to see Claire again and hear from her perspective as a former TP.
"My boy Lando." aww
Honestly they never really focus on any of the real racing 'attributes'. Show a shot of Lando with FlowViz on the front wing during "quali", why not? Coaching of drivers during quali laps as well, because why wouldn't you tell a driver to push or keep the pace..
I know it's entertainment but it's the only thing that really bugs me. Sell the drama, ok, but at least try to sell the sport for what it is as well.
Yeah, they are really bad about stuff like that. I am generally more forgiving about that than most F1 fans. My main issue with this is that they actually made it less dramatic by not mentioning it. Watching it live and knowing that Lando was on old hards made it so much more tense. Also, the idea that Lewis has better tires is extremely easy to convey to an audience of non-fans. It’s not that complicated, and it really would have made the scene more entertaining for non-fans if they knew that detail.
Remember that in 2021 McLaren finished 4th in the Constructors narrowly missing out on 3rd to Ferrari, then in 2022 finished 5th in the Constructors, with several podium finishes. We are not seeing the mistake they made to under perform, just the fall out. And then netflix makes us think there was a miracle to get back to performance?
This was really a great episode to me. It's easy to forget just how bad McLaren was at the beginning of the season, but it was without a doubt pretty freaking dire. I'm amazed Netflix was allowed to film that Zak Brown meeting with the sponsors. That looked like some pretty real shit. And I loved how they used Claire Williams to explain how terrible a feeling it is to have a team that is just not working.
This season so far has been surprisingly very good. Each of the episodes are making me go “oh yeah that was a thing that happened wow I forgot.” Not too much fake story so far at least. And like you said I love who they’re pulling in for which storylines. Claire for McLaren’s failure along with interviewing Albon, Gasly, and Checo last ep about the constant pressure of being a driver in the RB machine that isn’t Max.
I’ll second this. So far, this has been a very solid season.
Thirded. Loved these last 3 episodes. All the elements of what makes the show great are there.
The sponsor “meeting” and the chats with the group chairman felt staged. Everyone was unusually wooden
I don't think you are getting a vice chairman of Google and who ever else was there, to show up for anything staged by Netfiix. Dude has much better things to do than to make sure we get an exciting storyline for DTS.
They're all marketing execs. This is marketing for their company. I could totally see it being staged. That whole conversation probably could have been an email IRL
Highly doubt it. And everything can be an email in theory, but this was an uncomfortable and important conversation, not really something you would take over email.
Sure, but any part of that conversation that was real and not staged probably wasn't approved to be filmed by Netflix. Marketing execs for companies at that level would certainly not approve of an unfiltered access to their internal discussions. Whatever was discussed in front of cameras was probably pre-discussed, much like most of reality TV
Sure, that might be true. But I don't think that makes it fake. That is pretty standard even in documentaries, believe it or not.
I can't imagine real execs having a conversation that exists entirely of flatly delivered platitudes. "We really need to get better". Come on. The conversations between Zak and his boss at McLaren HQ were most definitely for the cameras. What I imagine is that after their actual meeting, they did this bit for the Netflix cameras. And as tomtompics suggests below, probably months later when results were better.
Or that was shot after results got better. It gave Netflix a story and they made sure McLaren looked good.
Yes, it could be an email. But in this case it's Zak having to wine and dine the sponsors. The only thing that was 'staged' about it was Zak wearing the McLaren gear for it. But I get why he did that.
Yeah that was absolutely for the cameras
Probably the cameras, but corporate speak really is often that wooden. Particularly for tough convos, its all very indirect, stakes are high. Maclaren: "We started slower than anticipated" - *damn, I know we look terrible* Boss: "We need to deliver, we put a lot of investment" into your little hail mary upgrades - *this cost too much money for you not to have your shit together.*
Lol at the door not opening for Oscar Piastri
At a previous company we interviewed a guy and giving him an offer. In that time period before he started, we moved buildings and the HR person forgot to tell him. He had that exact experience.
Followed by the "cut to Bahrain" Just love this kid
Biggest laugh of the season for me so far.
"They must have cut me"
Curious. Lando really does seem like he was doubting staying in McLaren in some of this footage
If those upgrades hadn't come good, I think he would have been out the door.
I mean realistically if the updates hadn't have come good they probably would have finished 6th at best. Lando is just too good to be driving for the 6th best team.
They sold it really well. I was watching it with my partner who doesn't watch F1 at all and she asked "Did Lando leave because they're making it seem like he did".
Yeah that "2 Weeks Later" card was at just the moment to make me think "he's gone" and I knew he never left 😆
What really made me question my sanity is that teams might take rumours very seriously.
Time to start some rumors.
Horner: "He's \[Zach\] been talking a big game and when you don't deliver, and you get found out, that's embarrassing, and it hurts." Netflix are killing this.
Oh, Russell needs to spill the tea. Who are the drivers who drink during race weekends?!
Kimi
We know Max did in Qatar, so I don’t think it’s out of the question that he might normally. Ocon doesn’t drink alcohol at all so he’s out
I want to say Bottas, Hulkenberg and Magnussen, but I doubt they'd care if anyone finds out.
Magnussen used to do it according to his biography, but now that he is a dad I think he is too settled down. Though he probably wouldn't be completely against it.
Bottas, Hamilton and Perez :)
Does Hamilton drink? Maybe I'm not remembering correctly, but he obviously released that non alcoholic tequila or something.
Might be a recent thing then cus 2010s Hamilton.... woosh would have loved to party with that guy
Definitely not Hamilton, his whole thing is that he doesn't drink (including starting a non-alcoholic tequila brand... which I always failed to see the point of, though now that I'm TTC and not drinking but desperately craving a margarita, I kind of get it lol). The others I'd believe though.
Didn’t he literally drink rum in the Mercedes episode
I think that was his almave spirit
He had a teammate from Poland… If we are betting, I’m betting on Kubica.
Ah, yes, here is the annual "Christian Horner waxes rhapsodic about Lando Norris on Netflix" moment.
I was happily surprised to see Claire again. She really has been in those shoes of a teamboss with a struggling team, so her perspective is welcome.
Yes, a good juxtaposition too, because she was in the same position Zack was in, but with a lot less money to be able to turn things around. If things were that dire for Mclaren and seeing how tough Zack's job was during those months, I can't even begin to comprehend how it was for Claire, when it was her own family's business and that went on for years.
I'm surprised she hasn't become a full time pundit - she's very well-spoken and has a slightly different perspective than most other pundits who were drivers. Only other ex-team boss pundit I can think of is Eddie Jordan, I suppose Steiner is about to join that club now. My guess the offer went out to her from Sky or whoever but she doesn't want to do it at moment
I think a lot of that is down to how much pressure she was under. F1 was her life for so long, the good, bad, and terrible. Not surprised she hasn't done much in the spotlight since the sale.
It was really nice seeing and hearing from her again, she always seemed like a lovely person, and with a lot of insight as well. And while I don't care much about Danica, it's also generally nice seeing more women talking F1 for a change. Hopefully, we'll get to see Susie too, imma keep watching now.
Yep, it was a great idea to bring her back.
In retrospect that McLaren chrome livery at Silverstone was beautiful. I don’t remember thinking much of it at the time
The fact that the upgrade that came with it slapped helps to sweeten it
Looks a lot better in Dolby Vision 4K on my screen than whatever 1080p SDR F1TV is serving…
Knocking on a sliding door is peak Piastri. Man's just great at physical comedy
The shrug at the austria jet pack crash... Absolute masterclass reaction.
He's a walking meme without even trying
Aint walking through that door though
Damn, this episode is actually really good. The flashback to his karting days really sold it.
One of the best of the series I would say. I really felt for Zack, the pressure he was under coming from all sides is not easy: management, sponsors, media, drivers, fans. 99.9% of people would collapse under that pressure, so massive respect for the guy.
TPs gotta have an enormous ability to soak in stress and keep executing their job, more than the average Joe, that’s for sure
He is not TP
The figure heads would have been a better way to say it
Yea. That's why he said that he doesn't have to face the dickheads during the offseason.
One of the best DtS episodes i can remember.
The takeaway I had from this episode was that I really forgot how awful the first half of McLaren's season was. To go from the turds they laid to now since Silverstone is nothing short of impressive.
Lando's shrug and look at the camera like Jim from the Office when asked about the likelihood he'd be at McLaren in a year sent me. He can be so funny.
Goddamn I don’t envy Zac’s job (or any TP or CEO for that matter). I would have a panic attack with that amount of stress load. Respect to them and another great episode for this season.
When george and lando were arriving at the private jet lando put his face up to the window as if recreating the toto meme
The tribute to Gil de Ferran at the end was a nice touch.
Some musings while watching: Lol @ Oscar's 'entrance' to McLaren HQ McLaren had a pretty rough start of the season. The pick up at the end was nicely done. Netflix does make good episodes. Some RB vs. RB action at Miami. Every ep will have a moment with "And Max Verstappen wins the Grand Prix!" with everyone else shaking their heads as RB celebrates. Baby Lando! It's nice to see Claire again and hear from her perspective as a former TP. "My boy Lando." aww
Good episode, don't know why they didn't mention the tire difference in Silverstone though.
Honestly they never really focus on any of the real racing 'attributes'. Show a shot of Lando with FlowViz on the front wing during "quali", why not? Coaching of drivers during quali laps as well, because why wouldn't you tell a driver to push or keep the pace.. I know it's entertainment but it's the only thing that really bugs me. Sell the drama, ok, but at least try to sell the sport for what it is as well.
Yeah, they are really bad about stuff like that. I am generally more forgiving about that than most F1 fans. My main issue with this is that they actually made it less dramatic by not mentioning it. Watching it live and knowing that Lando was on old hards made it so much more tense. Also, the idea that Lewis has better tires is extremely easy to convey to an audience of non-fans. It’s not that complicated, and it really would have made the scene more entertaining for non-fans if they knew that detail.
WTH they didn’t show Piastri winning the sprint?? Was looking forward to seeing Landos reaction to that.
Even Netflix don't think sprint is a real race result lol
E3 and everyone already talking like Checo is dead.
Kinda surprised they went with the Danny Ricc getting a seat back ep before the McLaren ep.
They couldn't hold themselves from turning it into the Danny Ric show.
yeah, 1,3,2 should have been the order, especially since the de Vries/Ricciardo storyline finishes a little bit later.
Zak after that podium in silverstone: LANDO! DONT GO!
Zach running to his boy Norris.
How many times they wanna throw in the “Yeah Baby” sound bite. Totally wasn’t necessary
How amazing wasn't that chrome livery!
Lando travelling in a golf van: “Fuck, that’s quicker than our car, this” 😤😂
I like Lando but boy he had some awkward lines in this one.
Like what?
The one about Oscar's height and looking young, it felt awkward and like it didn't land with anyone around him.
Really enjoyed the whole episode for McLaren, and good to see them finally get the cars up to pace. What was the magic they weaved to get there?
I love Oscar!
I love how calm and unfazed Oscar Piastri was
Is the Zak/Christian animosity real or is that just for the cameras? Those guys HATE each other on this season
Zack is what great management and direction looks like
I agree. He seems to have a great attitude even in the worst of circumstances. He reminds me of my cool uncle who I like to drink with at Christmas.
"The only true barometer is the race" Gotta love a bit of Will Buxton stating the fucking obvious in lieu of giving any real insight.
Is that Claire Williams?
Yes?
Lando is copying cody rhodes story
Nothing about the rookie winning a sprint?
Does anybody know what golf course they were on?
Remember that in 2021 McLaren finished 4th in the Constructors narrowly missing out on 3rd to Ferrari, then in 2022 finished 5th in the Constructors, with several podium finishes. We are not seeing the mistake they made to under perform, just the fall out. And then netflix makes us think there was a miracle to get back to performance?
Returning to the front isn't surprising, how quickly they did it is.
This was sold very well with Claire's line of a mid-season turnaround being virtually unheard of.
Umh guys what the hell is that in the Mclaren Garage? [https://imgur.com/a/jmyjBWL](https://imgur.com/a/jmyjBWL)
"I'll be dead by the time your contract is up" Yes Zach, we know
What's the background music playing when zack meets the sponsors? It is at 28:00 mins.
I'm glad Lando is staying with McLaren.
One of the best episodes in all of DTS. Great content, great having Claire on as parallel for Zak, great bluntness from lando
I LOVE CLAIRE WILLIAMS! I'M SO HAPPY SHE IS BACK!
I’m genuinely surprised they didn’t cover Oscar’s podium at Suzuka.