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F1 today McLaren getting the advantage

F1 Today | Is the ball swinging towards McLaren even more?

7 August at 22:00
5
  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

The balance of power in Formula 1 has slowly shifted towards McLaren over recent weeks. Whereas Red Bull held it comfortably in 2023 and the early part of 2024, McLaren have caught up and are looking for a title push when the season resumes at the end of August. Key stakeholders are sensing an advantage for the British team.

Brown foreshadows Abu Dhabi showdown

Zak Brown has identified Sergio Perez's weak results in the 2024 Formula 1 season and insists they will give McLaren the chance to fight for the Constructors' Championship in Abu Dhabi should it continue. McLaren wants to exploit this weakness, and if done, Brown believes an Abu Dhabi showdown is on the cards in December. See his thoughts here. 

Over the years, Zak Brown has been critical of Christian Horner and Red Bull Racing. First, about the Austrian team exceeding the budget cap, and then when there was an ongoing investigation of Christian Horner's alleged inappropriate behaviour, the McLaren CEO called for transparency. Brown now reacts and explains how he gets on with the Red Bull team principal.

Marko puts the ball in McLaren's court as well

Helmut Marko is already warning Max Verstappen: Red Bull Racing is unlikely to have found a solution to its disappointing performance of late before the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. This could help motivate McLaren who are looking to hunt down Red Bull in both Championships.

Formula 1 teams have to shut down operations for a fortnight during the summer break. Work can be done outside of that time. However, Marko fears that this time will not be enough for Red Bull to come up with a magic solution after the summer break.

Verstappen agrees with Hamilton

While Formula One is currently having its summer break, the Olympic Games are in full swing at Paris. In the individual dressage event, Dutch competitor Dinja van Liere for example used F1's theme song as she completed her routine. Max Verstappen, however, does not want motorsport to become part of the Olympics in the future. Here's why.