Woking-based McLaren has concluded the first half of the 2024 Formula One World Championship in excellent form. With a remarkable streak of ten consecutive podium finishes and outperforming leading team Red Bull in the past four rounds, McLaren appears to be the team to beat following the summer break.
Lando Norris currently holds second place in the Drivers’ Standings, trailing behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by a margin of 78 points. Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri, is further behind by 32 points, securing the fourth position in the Championship. However, due to Sergio Perez’s recent poor performance in the other Red Bull car, the gap between the two teams in the Constructors’ Championship is only 42 points.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix in July, Norris and Piastri clashed due to a strategic mix-up, which ultimately led to McLaren swapping their positions in the closing stages of the race. Piastri emerged victorious, claiming his first-ever F1 Grand Prix win, while Norris bemoaned the lost points in his ongoing battle against Verstappen for the Championship title.
Given the intense competition in the Championship, Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, expressed his desire to see both drivers pushing for wins and podium finishes, benefiting both themselves and the team. When questioned about McLaren’s priorities, Brown stated to Sky Sports F1, “Both the drivers’ and constructors’ Championships are our priorities because, ultimately, in order to win the constructors’ Championship, we need both of our drivers to secure high positions. I would like to see both drivers in the top three. We currently hold second and fourth positions, and the closer we get to the drivers’ Championship, the closer we will be to the constructors’ Championship. Therefore, we are aiming for both as every point matters.”
Brown further suggested that McLaren will continue to strive for victory in both Championships during the second half of the season. He remarked, “Our next significant goal would be to compete for the Championship. It is certainly a gratifying feeling. The drivers, the team, and everyone involved have done an exceptional job, achieving ten consecutive podium finishes. It is truly remarkable. To be in contention for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships is an exciting position to be in as we enter the summer break. There is still a lot of work to be done, and it won’t be easy. The second part of the year promises to be thrilling, but I am extremely pleased with everything McLaren has accomplished thus far.”
Photo by McLaren Instagram
