McLaren has one of the most impressive driver lineups in Formula 1. Will they develop a car that can challenge the front-runners in 2024?
The McLaren faithful have longed for a championship since Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard brought them the Constructors’ in 1998. These same fans have longed for a grand prix win since Daniel Ricciardo won in Monza in 2021. What has the McLaren team been lacking since their last championship? Let’s examine what needs to happen in 2024 to make their dedicated fans celebrate once again.
Maintain Consistency
In recent years, F1 spectators have watched a McLaren team that is lackluster one weekend become the fastest car on the grid the next. Unfortunately, they do not stay the fastest car on the grid. They ride a rollercoaster of performance during the entire length of the season, but cannot put together a win when it matters.
Their inconsistency can most notably be seen this past season. The McLaren team did not shine brightly until the British GP. Norris and Piastri qualified in 2nd and 3rd then managed to finish the race in P2 and P4. This was their comeback moment after a sluggish start to the year. Norris followed that podium up with another one in Hungary. However, after the Hungarian GP, there was not another podium finish until Singapore. After that, the McLaren team secured podiums in 5/8 races. The McLaren drivers need to execute when it counts in order for them to secure a championship in 2024, but they cannot do it without help from the rest of the team. The McLaren engineers and designers have proven that they can develop a car with serious pace in the past. Now, they must create a car that can withstand the entire race calendar.
Utilize Their Talent
Lando and Oscar, back doing what they love most! 🏁
Hear from our drivers as they discuss their return to the cockpit after testing the 2022 MCL36 in Barcelona. 👇
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 13, 2024
Both Piastri and Norris have signed long-term contracts to remain with the McLaren team for years to come. They are dedicated to the team and arguably one of the most talented pairings on the grid. Piastri managed to win in the Qatar Sprint, and Norris secured a plethora of podium finishes last season.
When these drivers are at their best, they are race winning drivers. If they build a car that showcases their strengths, then Norris will be destined to win his first race as a F1 driver. Norris is hungry for a championship and would love nothing more than to do it as a McLaren driver. Piastri is a generational talent that was undoubtedly the greatest rookie in 2023. Zack Brown and company need to take advantage of this talent and provide exceptional strategies and a championship car.
Conquer the Giant
Max Verstappen is the most dominant racer on the grid right now. It will take an entire team effort to overcome the Red Bull Racing team in 2024. The team led by Christian Horner dominated all season long and are projected to do it again. In F1, you have to beat the best to be the best. The most obvious path to a title in 2024 is to capitalize on the Red Bull teams’ rare mistakes.
