Horner Warns Against McLaren 'Two-On-One Bullying'

Monday, 16 October 2023 at 16:00

Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, recently acknowledged the strength of the McLaren F1 team ahead of the 2024 season.

McLaren has made an incredible recovery this season. The team started the season with acknowledgment of the fact they were behind on car development. However, the upgrades brought to the car throughout the season allowed McLaren to compete for the podium in the last few races.

Three-time World Champion Max Verstappen recently complemented McLaren with their driver duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for delivering consistent performances.

The Flying Dutchman also hinted he views McLaren as one of the main threats for the remainder of this season, but mainly for the 2024 season, until which the teams will have some time to catch up with their car development.

Verstappen's team principal, Christian Horner, seems to have a similar opinion. Horner recently told BBC's Chequered Flag podcast in relation to McLaren: "They’re getting used to running at the front."

"Critically as well. Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris might be delivering them a little bit of an issue by being so close together on track, but it opens up some strategic windows for them into the future."

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The Red Bull team principal also admitted the strength of the McLaren driver duo. Horner also recently revealed Red Bull's driver pairing is no longer as strong as it used to be.

Recent performances of Sergio Perez have been underwhelming compared to the incredible pace of Max Verstappen. While Red Bull apparently has a dominant car, Perez just can't seem to be able to get to grips with it.

"If Sergio Perez cannot find form in that Red Bull, it's going be two-on-one bullying, isn't it? If McLaren are in the championship [fight] next year."

While McLaren's increasing pace remains a threat to Red Bull's dominance, the team from Milton Keynes seems to have everything under control so far. Nevertheless, we have to wait until 2024 to see if McLaren can challenge Red Bull for the title.