McLaren has ascended to the top of the Constructors’ Championship, thanks to standout results from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team’s impressive form since the start of the season has now positioned them as the leading contender in a fiercely competitive four-team battle. McLaren’s recent performance boost, triggered by a significant upgrade package introduced in Miami, has cemented their place at the sharp end of the field.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both delivered in Baku, with Piastri securing a hard-fought victory and Norris finishing a strong fourth. These results allowed McLaren to overtake Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings, further solidifying their title aspirations. However, with seven race weekends still remaining in the 2024 campaign, Norris emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s momentum and hard work.
Norris commented, “It feels great going into this race knowing we’re currently leading the Constructors’ Championship. The team has done an incredible job, but now we need to keep pushing and stay consistent in delivering strong results.”
While McLaren’s recent success is a massive boost, Norris remains focused on the bigger picture, knowing that his quest for the Drivers’ Championship remains challenging. The Brit is trailing championship leader Max Verstappen by 59 points and made only minor gains in Baku, closing the gap by just three points. This means that Norris needs strong finishes in the upcoming rounds to stay in contention for the title.
Additionally, McLaren’s team dynamic has shifted, with the squad publicly declaring their intention to prioritize Norris as a championship contender. However, irony struck when Piastri clinched victory in Baku on a weekend where Norris was meant to receive priority. Despite this, Norris dismissed concerns about internal team tensions, clarifying that team orders didn’t play a significant role in Baku, and his cooperation was simply aimed at keeping Red Bull’s Sergio Perez at bay.
As the season progresses, McLaren will need to maintain their competitive edge and ensure both drivers continue to perform at their best if they want to secure their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. The road ahead is tough, but with seven races left, the battle for the title is far from over.
