The focus this year is of course on Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, but behind them there is also a lot of excitement. For example, McLaren team boss Zak Brown is looking forward to the exciting fight with Ferrari in the final Grands Prix.

If there has been one team besides Red Bull Racing and Mercedes that has impressed in 2021, it is undoubtedly McLaren. The British team has been on a strong rise in recent years and, like last year, could be fighting for third place in the standings.

Team boss Zak Brown is therefore satisfied with his team, but he also sees some areas for improvement. McLaren must become a lot more consistent. "This year we have been very fast at some points, but we have also had races where we were struggling. I think it's part of the journey we're on," Brown explained during the FIA press conference.

"We are constantly improving, but it is not without setbacks. We weren't very strong in Holland, nor in Turkey. But at Spa, Monza and in Russia we were. We have a fast car, but not a consistently fast car yet. But that is all part of the learning process. We are getting closer [to the top], but there is still a big gap," the team boss clarified.

Exciting battle with Ferrari

Because McLaren hasn't always been strong in the last couple of races, the battle with Ferrari is very exciting this year. The British team currently has 240 points, while Ferrari is right behind with 232.5 points. Brown therefore thinks that not only the fight between Verstappen and Hamilton will be nail-biting.

"I think it's going to be close. I think there are two championships going on that are very exciting, right? You've got Lewis against Max, which I think is going to be down to the wire, and then I think McLaren against Ferrari is going to be close until the end. I'd like to think we'll take it - but I think we're too close to say so," concludes the American.