Ferrari and Mercedes Express Concerns over McLaren’s Rapid Progress in F1
Two of Formula 1’s most dominant teams, Ferrari and Mercedes, have recently acknowledged their growing apprehension about the impressive strides that McLaren has been making in the sport. Currently, Red Bull reigns supreme in F1, with Mercedes and Ferrari trailing behind in second and third place in the constructors’ standings, boasting less than half the points of the leading team.
Surprisingly, Aston Martin has emerged as the fourth-ranked team overall, displaying a commendable performance in the early stages of the 2023 season. However, Lando Norris, jointly representing McLaren and securing a second-place finish at Suzuka, firmly believes that McLaren has what it takes to surpass them. “With our current tally of 49 points, I am confident that victory is well within our reach,” stated Norris. “One advantage we hold over almost every other team is having two drivers competing fiercely for top positions and vital points.”
Undoubtedly, McLaren has made significant strides throughout the season, with newcomer Oscar Piastri steadily growing in confidence and talent. Having secured a contract until 2026, Piastri’s contribution to the team’s progress cannot be overlooked.
Veteran racer Lewis Hamilton, representing Mercedes, urges other teams to closely consider McLaren’s approach and contemplate implementing a similar shift in their car concept, currently dominated by Red Bull. “McLaren has proven that transforming their performance is possible, and we must scrutinize their methods,” emphasized the seven-time world champion. “We must adapt and head in a similar direction to remain competitive. The decisions we make now are pivotal to shaping our future trajectory.”
In 2023, Red Bull’s dominance was unparalleled, clinching victory in every Grand Prix except for a surprising upset in Singapore, where Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz emerged triumphant. However, Red Bull swiftly regained momentum in Japan, overtaking both Ferrari and McLaren. Unfortunately for Ferrari, they further lost ground to their rivals at the Japanese Grand Prix. When asked about his concerns over McLaren’s progress, Charles Leclerc responded, “Yes and no… If I witness their speed continuing at Qatar, then I will truly be worried. Frankly, I am already showing some level of concern. Nevertheless, I acknowledge that Qatar is a circuit where McLaren tends to perform exceptionally well. If their prowess materializes there once more, then I will have to start taking their success more seriously.”
Ferrari and Mercedes, two of F1’s absolute best teams, have admitted they are “worried” about being left behind by fast-growing McLaren. At the moment Red Bull completely dominates F1, with Mercedes and Ferrari in second and third place in the constructors’ standings, but with less than half the points as Red Bull.
Aston Martin are fourth overall after a surprisingly strong start to 2023, but joint Lando Norris (second at Suzuka) believes McLaren can beat them. “With 49 points, I think we can definitely win,” Norris said. “I think our advantage at the moment compared to almost every team is that we have two drivers competing for these positions and points.” Indeed, as McLaren has improved rapidly throughout the season, new signing Oscar Piastri, who has signed a contract until 2026, is also going from strength to strength. Hamilton Mercedes believes teams need to think carefully about following McLaren’s lead in making a marked change to Red Bull’s car concept. “They have proven that it is possible and we have to look at what they have done,” said the seven times world champion. “We have to go in that direction too,” added Hamilton. “The decisions we make now are very important for our future path.” Red Bull won every grand prix in 2023, except for Singapore, where the team stumbled and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz won. Then Ferrari came to Japan and were overtaken by Red Bull and McLaren. Ferrari then lost ground to Red Bull and McLaren at the Japanese Grand Prix. Asked if he was worried about McLaren’s progress, Charles Leclerc said: “Yes and no.” happening. “If we see their speed in Qatar, I will be worried. I’m already worried. “But I know it’s a track they better do “If it happened again in Qatar, I would start to worry more seriously.”
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