After three seasons of Max Verstappen vanquishing the competition, there might finally be a team and driver to challenge him. McLaren and Lando Norris.
Just a year ago, the McLaren team had a car that looked like it could never challenge any other Formula One team, let alone the best team, Red Bull. But the McLaren squad was dedicated to fixing what ailed the car and proceeded to change its aerodynamics.
It was soon obvious that the fix worked, and McLaren finished the 2023 season fourth in the Constructors’ championship. 2024 has seen continuing improvement, and things are at the point now where other challengers—Mercedes and Ferrari, to be specific—are joined by McLaren as Red Bull’s top competitors.
A battle with four teams, thought impossible just a short time ago, is not only possible, but it is also desirable from the fans’ perspective. And while the future will tell the tale, it may very well be that Verstappen’s primary competition won’t be the likely suspects–Leclerc (Ferrari) or Hamilton (Mercedes)–but Norris (McLaren).
The situation is made even more interesting because many seats will be available soon, and the lineup of drivers will change. We know Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari, and positions are open at Sauber, Williams, Alpine, RB Cash App, Haas, and even Red Bull. Added to the mix is the possibility of a new team entering the sport, Andretti Global, which, despite the recent rejection by Formula One, might still enter the sport if its supporters, including the U.S. Congress, can persuade the sport’s ownership to reverse their decision from no to yes. AG’s factories in Indiana and England are already operational, which adds to the team’s chances.
The overall conclusion is that Formula One’s outlook is better than it has been and that circumstance will no doubt enhance the sport’s appeal.
