McLaren could start slowly, Mercedes may set the pace, while newcomers – and returning heroes – add huge interest
Car MCL40 Engine Mercedes Principal Andrea Stella Debut Monaco 1966 GPs 994 Constructors’ titles 10 Last season 1st. Held their nerve to close out the constructors’ and drivers’ double last season, albeit with the latter going to the wire as they rather tied themselves in knots trying to be fair to both drivers. Enter this year a little off the front but in a season likely to be marked by a fierce development battle, will expect to exploit their huge strengths in bringing the car on with alacrity and be in the mix in no short order.
Drivers
Lando Norris (GB, age 26) car No 1 Debut Australia 2019 Wins 11 Poles 16 Titles 1 Last season 1st. After sealing his first title last year, Norris is enjoying a confidence in his own abilities like never before. Has stressed the need to prove himself in winning the title and having done so, especially after such a fearsome fight, is buoyant, fired up for a title defence and can be expected to push McLaren hard for the tools to do so.
Oscar Piastri (Aus, 24) No 81 Debut Bahrain 2023 Wins 9 Poles 6 Titles 0 Best season finish 3rd Last season 3rd. Suffered a severe blow last season having dominated for so long only for a series of poor results to cost him his title tilt in the final third. Still gaining experience and acknowledging he learned from the setback, is determined to emerge even stronger and having improved every year thus far will be in any fight.
