The F1 summer break comes to an end this weekend, with the action returning in Zandvoort. The Dutch GP will see the front-running teams under immense pressure to deliver. McLaren and Red Bull are under a unique level of scrutiny as they contend for the Constructors title. According to Zak Brown, McLaren’s driver line-up gives them an advantage.
McLaren confident in Championship aspirations
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have both claimed their maiden F1 victories this year. Ironically, both drivers will feel they could (and probably should) have claimed more wins in 2024.
Strategic mistakes and operational shortcomings are still significant limiting factors for McLaren.
Unforced errors have frequently seen McLaren fail to capitalise on their superior pace. Even with Sergio Perez struggling for results, the Woking-based outfit are yet to overtake Red Bull in the standings.
Speaking of Perez, Zak Brown believes the Mexican’s performance will determine this year’s Championship:
“It’s going to be tough. I think it’s going to come down to the last race,” he told the BBC.
“There’s not much between the cars. It’s gonna come down to how does Sergio Perez perform?
“If he can perform as he’s capable of performing, it’s going to be a hard fight. If he continues to perform as he has this year, we have a pretty good chance.
“Because we have two drivers constantly performing at the front.”
Verstappen remains the driver to beat
Of course, Brown’s comments were focused on the Constructors Championship. The chances of McLaren claiming the Drivers Championship with either Norris or Piastri are quite low.
Norris is almost 80 points behind Max Verstappen, whilst his Australian teammate’s deficit is over 110 points.
Although McLaren are recognised as the fastest team, Red Bull are still close enough to give Verstappen race-winning options.
The Dutchman’s consistency has allowed him to maintain a significant cushion in the standings.
With Ferrari and Mercedes also capable of winning races, bridging the gap to Verstappen becomes an even bigger task for McLaren.
Still, as Zak Brown points out, they in a position to push Red Bull all the way in the Constructors’ battle.
