McLaren’s resurgence in Formula 1 has set the stage for an intense championship showdown in 2024, but CEO Zak Brown has his sights set on a different rival than most would expect. While Max Verstappen and Red Bull remain formidable opponents, Brown believes Scuderia Ferrari poses a more immediate threat to McLaren’s championship aspirations.
McLaren’s Title Ambitions
After over a decade of waiting, McLaren is finally back in the title hunt, leading the Constructors’ Championship with just three races remaining. Despite their strong position, Brown acknowledges the difficulty of securing both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles. Ferrari, just 36 points behind, looms as a significant obstacle.
“Of course, I want to win at least one of the two titles,” Brown said. “But the Constructors’ title will also be tough. Ferrari looks very strong.”
Why Ferrari Outshines Red Bull as a Threat
Although Verstappen’s dominance earlier in the season set the tone for Red Bull, Brown asserts that Ferrari’s recent pace is causing McLaren more headaches.
“They [Ferrari] give me more headaches than Red Bull,” Brown admitted. “Nevertheless, you must not write them off. Red Bull is an incredibly strong team.”
Ferrari’s consistent performances have allowed them to close the gap, making the Constructors’ championship a tightly contested affair. With McLaren focusing on the team title, Ferrari’s resurgence could derail their hopes.
Verstappen’s Early-Season Domination
Despite McLaren’s current advantage, Brown concedes that Verstappen’s extraordinary start to the season could still tip the scales in the Drivers’ Championship. The three-time world champion’s seven wins in the first ten races created a gap that McLaren’s Lando Norris has struggled to overcome.
“If we lose it [Drivers’ title], then it happened at the beginning and not in Silverstone or Monza,” Brown explained.
While Norris has delivered standout performances at iconic venues like Silverstone and Monza, Brown remains realistic about the uphill battle against Verstappen’s early momentum.
Norris’ Role in the Final Races
With the Drivers’ Championship increasingly out of reach, McLaren is shifting its focus entirely to securing the Constructors’ title. Norris, who has been instrumental in McLaren’s resurgence, may now need to prioritize team strategy over personal ambition in the final three races.
Whether Norris will embrace the role of team player remains to be seen, but his contribution will be crucial as McLaren battles Ferrari for glory.
The Final Showdown
As the 2024 Formula 1 season hurtles toward its conclusion, McLaren finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. Zak Brown’s candid assessment of Ferrari as the greater threat underscores the complexities of a championship fight. With Verstappen lurking and Ferrari closing in, McLaren must execute flawlessly to reclaim their place at the top of the sport.
The next three races promise a thrilling finale, where every point will count. Will McLaren hold on to their lead, or will Ferrari and Red Bull spoil their long-awaited comeback? The answer lies in the intense battles yet to come.