McLaren has started the 2023 season on an underwhelming note by securing only 17 points in the first seven races of the season. However, former world champion Mika Hakkinen predicts the British team will soon challenge Red Bull this year.
It would initially come out as shocking as McLaren’s only highlight this season has been qualifying P3 for the Spanish GP. Lando Norris was not confident securing points in Sunday’s race. The Briton feels the MCL60 is off the pace all season and is struggling to claim points this season.
Norris suffered an early contact with Lewis Hamilton in the opening lap. In Spain, He could only manage a lowly P17 despite his efforts. However, the 2x champion believes his former team’s fortunes will soon change.
McLaren can challenge Red Bull
Mika Hakkinen was asked if any team could end Red Bull’s winning streak in the 2023 season. Despite positive results from Aston Martin and Mercedes in recent races, the Finn claims McLaren will surprise the leaders
Hakkinen shared on Unibet International’s YouTube channel, “I don’t think to catch up to Red Bull this year. The only surprise we’ll see is McLaren’s possible progress in the next two months. I think they’ll surprise us massively.”
The 1998 and 1999 F1 champion believes McLaren will improve their car’s pace in the coming months. He added, “They will probably challenge Red Bull,” firing warning shots at Max Verstappen and co.
Hakkinnen himself believes Red Bull is far ahead of the competition this year. The Finn even regards Verstappen as one of the generation’s finest talents. Therefore, even if McLaren enjoys a late revival in the season, as Hakkinen predicted, it might not be enough to stop Red Bull from winning.
Why Mika Hakkinen believes Red Bull will be the champions?
Mika Hakkinen believes McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin are no match for the RB19 on sheer pace. However, there is more to Red Bull than just a fast car.
The Finn believes the Milton Keynes-based constructor dominates F1 because of their teamwork. The team has the best engineers who have perfected the RB19 and have the best driver racing it in Max Verstappen.
The team’s winning mentality can be seen even in their pitstops. Hakkinen pointed out, “Other teams change their tires in three or four seconds. Red Bull does it in two seconds. That shows the spirit of the team, their energy, and teamwork.”
Gone in 2.07 seconds! ⏱️😮
The @redbullracing pit crew took the @DHL_Motorsports Fastest Pit Stop Award in Barcelona 👏 >> https://t.co/F2dWiQFMhc#SpanishGP #MomentsThatDeliver pic.twitter.com/GVabBRiEBF
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 6, 2023
The 2x champion even praised the Red Bull powertrains who have stepped up against works teams like Ferrari and Mercedes. The Finn believes the Red Bull engine is just as good as their rivals, and the RB19 has a perfect combination of great aero and power unit.
The team leads the constructor’s championship with 287 points after securing victories in all 7 races as of the Spanish GP. Meanwhile, Verstappen leads the driver’s standings with 170 points and 5 wins to his name.
