Red Bull Team Principal Points Out McLaren 'Could Be Factor' Next Year

Sunday, 31 December 2023 at 17:00

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner suggested Red Bull might be a threat to his team next season.

McLaren has been the most successful out of all ten F1 teams on the grid in producing the most effective upgrades throughout the season.

Lando Norris recently said the 2023 season gives him hope and that he is now confident his team can produce a faster and more predictable car over the winter break that would allow him to compete for race wins in 2024.

Asked to name the biggest threat to Red Bull's dominance in 2024, even Max Verstappen pointed to the Papaya team because they clearly showed they have the resources and capabilities to make great progress.

Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, also acknowledged McLaren's strengths in a recent interview with Sky Sports F1. He said:

“"I think McLaren had a great second half of the year. There were times when they were our closest competitor."”

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McLaren almost matched Red Bull's pace in Sao Paulo, and Norris came close to actually overtaking Verstappen, but the Dutchman didn't make a single mistake and brought the victory home for his team in the end.

McLaren will also have new key team members joining the team from the beginning of year 2024 and that sets high expectations for the team.

“"They have strengthened their team, and Rob will be an asset, but it's not just about one person. There are seven or eight hundred people in an F1 team and it needs the whole team to come together."”

The Papya team has the youngest, but also one of the best teammate duos on the grid. The average age of the two drivers is 23, and while they still have to gain some experience, they showed already in 2023, going toe-to-toe with World Champions is no problem for them. Horner added: