Source – F1 Oversteer
In an attempt to win an F1 world championship for the first time since 2008, McLaren is battling for its first one since 2012.
McLaren’s resurgence in the 2024 Formula 1 season has been nothing short of remarkable, and CEO Zak Brown is brimming with confidence as the championship battle heats up. With just eight races remaining, McLaren is firmly in the hunt for both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. Despite trailing Red Bull by a mere eight points in the standings, Brown believes his team can go all the way and deliver a clean sweep of victories in the remaining rounds.
The MCL38 has proven to be a formidable machine across a wide variety of circuits, adapting seamlessly to high-speed tracks and twisty street circuits alike. This versatility has made McLaren the team to beat in the eyes of many, particularly as Red Bull, the reigning champions, continue to struggle with inconsistent performances. McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been in top form, securing three grand prix victories between them and consistently racking up valuable points in what has become the team’s first serious championship challenge since 2012.
For Brown, there is no reason why McLaren cannot aim for victory in each of the remaining races. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, the McLaren boss was bullish about the team’s prospects, declaring that they have the pace and capability to win every weekend. “I don’t see why we can’t be going for the win every race weekend,” Brown confidently stated. He acknowledged the stiff competition ahead but expressed full belief in the MCL38’s ability to excel under any conditions and at any circuit.
With the final stretch of the season taking the teams to flyaway races in Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, Brown is especially optimistic about McLaren’s chances. The Woking squad was notably strong in Singapore last year, and Baku, known for its unpredictability, offers yet another opportunity for McLaren to capitalize. “We are going to show up every weekend and go for pole, the front-row lockout, and try to win,” Brown emphasized, fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
However, Brown is also pragmatic in acknowledging that a perfect run through the remaining races is unlikely. “I’m sure it won’t quite work like that for the next eight races,” he admitted, understanding the unpredictability of Formula 1. Yet, this realistic outlook doesn’t diminish his ambition, as he firmly believes McLaren is ready to challenge at the front every time they take to the track.
As McLaren heads into the final stretch of the season, the constructors’ championship has also become a thrilling three-way fight. Red Bull may still lead the standings with 446 points, but McLaren is hot on their heels with 438. Ferrari, while trailing by 31 points, remains a significant threat in the battle for the constructors’ crown, especially after its strong performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where it fought fiercely with McLaren for victory. Charles Leclerc may be out of the drivers’ title race, sitting 86 points behind Max Verstappen, but Ferrari is far from out of contention in the constructors’ battle.
Brown is relishing this intense competition, noting that this is the first time since 2012 that McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari have been locked in such a close fight for the constructors’ title. “What we have is a three-way race for the constructors’ championship,” Brown said, recognizing the unique nature of this season’s rivalry. For the first time in years, multiple teams are pushing each other to the limit, and it’s a development that Brown believes is fantastic for the sport.
The excitement surrounding McLaren’s championship bid is palpable. Should Norris and Piastri guide the team to glory, it would mark McLaren’s first constructors’ title since 1998, when Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard led the charge. If one of the drivers can snatch the drivers’ championship, it would be the team’s first since Lewis Hamilton’s iconic triumph in 2008. Such an achievement would cement McLaren’s place among F1’s elite once again, bringing an end to years of near-misses and rebuilding efforts.
With Red Bull faltering and Ferrari still a potent force, the final races of the 2024 season promise to be a thrilling showdown between three of the sport’s most storied teams. McLaren’s resurgence has brought a new energy to the grid, and Zak Brown’s ambitious vision for the team is now within reach. As they prepare to take on the challenges of Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, all eyes are on McLaren to see if they can complete their remarkable turnaround and capture the titles that have eluded them for so long.
