As the 2024 Formula One season enters its final stretch, McLaren finds itself on the cusp of a monumental achievement – their first constructors’ championship since 1998. With a 36-point lead over Ferrari and defending champions Red Bull still in the hunt, the British team is tantalizingly close to glory. However, CEO Zak Brown remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the need for consistency and focus in the face of the unpredictable nature of the sport.
A Tenuous Lead
McLaren’s current position atop the standings is a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season. The team has amassed an impressive 593 points, with Ferrari trailing at 557 and Red Bull still in contention with 544. Despite this advantage, Brown is quick to point out that nothing is guaranteed in Formula One.
“I feel great with where we are, but it’s high stress. A 36-point lead can evaporate in one race weekend when you’ve got Ferrari, who could easily finish first and second, which can happen in a street race as we saw in Brazil.”
– Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
The upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, set to take place on Saturday, presents a unique challenge for the teams. As a street circuit, the track offers little room for error and can lead to unexpected results. Brown is well aware of this fact, and his approach to those who consider McLaren’s championship a foregone conclusion is clear:
“For those people who have come up to me with a foregone conclusion that we’ve already won the championship, I kind of want to punch them in the nose.”
– Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
Consistency is Key
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has made it clear that securing the constructors’ championship is the team’s primary objective. This focus was evident in Brazil, where Lando Norris finished sixth, putting Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on the brink of a fourth successive drivers’ crown. With two races remaining after Las Vegas, the battle for the constructors’ title could go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur believes that recent results have little bearing on the outcome of the championship, stating, “It’s not a matter of momentum this season. It’s so tight that it’s moving from one weekend to another.” This sentiment underscores the highly competitive nature of the 2024 season, with no team able to establish a clear dominance.
Staying the Course
For McLaren, the key to success lies in maintaining their current approach. Brown emphasizes the importance of staying the course, stating, “We don’t want to do anything differently. We want to do exactly what got us to where we are. Take it one session at a time, feet on the ground.”
The team’s focus on consistency and level-headedness is a testament to their professionalism and determination. Brown is well aware of the pitfalls of premature celebration, noting, “The minute you think you’ve done it before you’re in the end zone is a big mistake to make.”
The Final Push
As the Formula One circus prepares for the final three races of the season, the tension is palpable. McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull are all still in the running for the constructors’ championship, and every point will be fiercely contested.
For McLaren, the goal is clear – maintain their consistency, stay focused, and take each session as it comes. With the unwavering determination of the team and the steady hand of Zak Brown at the helm, the British outfit is poised to make history and end their 26-year constructors’ championship drought.
The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but McLaren remains undaunted. As Brown succinctly puts it, “I feel good about where we are, but we’re very focused, and we’re not going to celebrate until hopefully we’ve earned the right to celebrate.”
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Formula One season, and McLaren stands on the brink of greatness. Will they hold their nerve and secure the coveted constructors’ championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the team will leave no stone unturned in their quest for glory.
