McLaren’s recent resurgence has put the team in Red Bull’s sights ahead of the 2024 season, with the Papaya team determined to regain the title.
Dr Helmut Marko, a prominent figure in the Formula 1 community, has highlighted that McLaren is a potential threat to Red Bull’s current dominance in Formula 1 in the 2024 season.
His observations track McLaren’s remarkable resurgence this campaign, after a somewhat lackluster start to 2023.
Oscar Piastri’s victory in the Qatar sprint race, starting from pole position, and a strong performance from Lando Norris put McLaren in a more important position in the championship.
Marko acknowledged McLaren’s growing presence, saying: “They are now our most consistent pursuers and they continue to gain momentum. »
The Red Bull team advisor shared his views with the Kronen Zeitung newspaper, highlighting McLaren’s growing importance in the sport. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella does not disagree with Marko’s assessment.
“It was a very positive weekend for us,” he said.
“We are the second fastest car and that is really good for the future.
“I’m delighted that we can contribute to making Formula 1 more exciting.”
Marko also revealed that Red Bull kept a close eye on McLaren’s performance throughout the event in Qatar, even during Max Verstappen’s dominant season.
“We set our pace according to McLaren,” he explains. “It’s remarkable and it’s scary that this is happening at every track.
“It will probably be a tough battle for them next year.
“The others can’t keep up with McLaren and us,” he added, mainly referring to Red Bull’s main rivals Mercedes and Ferrari.
Italian publication Corriere dello Sport gave its view, considering seeing Verstappen alongside Australian rookie Piastri and Norris on the podium as “the podium of the future”.
However, Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur remains cautious.
He conceded, “I would say that McLaren is now the second fastest team, but Qatar and Suzuka have common characteristics, with a succession of fast corners.
“We were probably better than McLaren in Monza and Singapore.
“So let’s wait and see for the next races, starting with Austin.
“That circuit has a mix of everything, so we can understand where we really stand.”
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