While Red Bull raced to the top and Ferrari chased behind, a little further back, another intense battle was unfolding; F1 teams McLaren and Alpine have been tussling over P4 this season. As Alpine toppled McLaren to P4 at the Japanese Grand Prix, Andreas Seidl admits that it will be “very tough” for them to stay in the running now.

The McLaren boss shares his thoughts about the competition with Alpine in a recent interview. In his own words, it is now more than ever that they need to avoid mistakes.

“It’s important now for us really to focus on ourselves, make sure that we execute clean weekends, extract every single session the maximum that we have at the moment in our car,” said Seidl. “Only then do we have a chance to stay in the battle with a very strong Alpine team.

Seidl went on to give a nod to their opponent’s skills this season, admiring their efforts.

“We have to acknowledge they did a great job so far this season. It will be very tough for us to stay in this battle until the last lap in Abu Dhabi, but that’s what we’re here for.”

He further added, “But still I think we have a good car, we have a good team, we have two strong drivers, and if we get our act together, I’m sure we can stay in this battle until the last lap.” 

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The McLaren boss is holding on to hope despite the lead slipping away from his fingers. Will they be able to rise to higher ranks in the remaining races?

Lando Norris speaks about McLaren falling behind Alpine

Meanwhile, what do the McLaren drivers have to say about losing their position to Alpine? While Ricciardo might be unavailable for comment, Lando Norris had a few words in mind about the situation.

“Not good news, but not a surprise,” said Norris, after the Japanese GP. “Like I’ve said so many times, they’re so much quicker than us.”

“I have no clue how we’re still fighting them in the championship. Like… they are another league to us at the minute. And yet we were somehow ahead – maybe not after today…” admitted the Belgian-British driver.

“But… we’ll keep trying. Yeah. Keep trying to limit the points loss we have at the minute.”

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Despite contrary conditions, McLaren’s manager and driver both seem hopeful about their chances, albeit a little cautious. Who do you think will finish P4 at the end of this season? Let us know in the comments below.