The 2023 Formula 1 season has been jam-packed with action! But no one predicted McLaren’s push to the frontrunners in 2023. One of the most recognizable F1 teams, they have struggled to outperform the midfield in recent years. However, they remained on a redemption arc until 2022, when they dropped to fifth place in the standings. They struggled in pre-season testing this year, and the season-opener in Bahrain was no better. The Woking team was, however, counting on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to help the team restore its previous glory. But it takes more than just competent drivers to aim for the top teams!

Fortunately for McLaren, the engineers were also hard at work behind the scenes, as the MCL60 received a huge update at the Austrian GP. The team in Papaya was turning things around with new side pods and a remodeled floor. And the British outfit wrapped up its MCL60 facelift with an aero package at Zandvoort, putting the icing on the cake. Since then, they have been consistently improving their pace. Their golden boy, Lando Norris, seems as confident as ever, even making a rather ‘bold’ statement, according to McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella.

Andrea Stella backs ‘motivational’ Lando Norris on his ambition for 2024

Lando Norris is having a mega comeback to the front of the grid, ending a podium-less run since Imola 2022, earlier this year at the British GP. The Brit has continued his stride, scoring 5 podiums so far. With the sweetest one coming at the Suzuka Circuit. Norris crossed the chequered flag leading the McLaren duo to a double podium finish behind Max Verstappen. As Norris was pulling into Parc-Ferme, he had a statement to put out there, Mclaren was “coming for Red Bull”.

McLaren’s new Team Principal, Andrea Stella shared his take on Norris’ ambitions, “Obviously at such a positive result, that was a bold statement by Lando, but we like it.” he added, “We like to get this inspiration from our drivers. That was a very motivational message for Lando and definitely everyone at McLaren is very determined to keep progressing with the car.”

They had an even greater weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix. Which saw Oscar Piastri win the sprint race and the Papaya Duo bag podiums on Sunday. Bringing in a magnitude of points for the team who are fighting for the fourth spot once again. The Qatar GP Heist saw the team inch closer to their rivals Aston Martin, leaving a gap of only 11 points to cover with 5 races to go!

READ MORE: As Chink in Armor Begins to Widen, Lando Norris Finds Support in Lewis Hamilton’s Arch Nemesis

Lando Norris has certainly blossomed into a mature driver during his time with McLaren. But is he being too ‘bold’ in his ambitions? Or will Andrea Stella deliver on his words of backing the British driver against the front runners? If the Qatar GP results are any indicators of what’s to come, then the team is looking like a force to be reckoned with!

Can McLaren avoid a Verstappen/Ricciardo Déjà vu?

For a team to be truly dominant, they don’t just require the fastest car. Sergio Perez and Red Bull are prime examples. While Verstappen is running away with points at every race, Perez is left scratching his head. The Dutch Lion’s former teammate didn’t have much luck either. Just as Daniel Ricciardo was establishing his prime, a young Verstappen came along and stole the show!

Something similar might be brewing in McLaren’s camp. Oscar Piastri has been consistently matching Lando Norris’s performance, and to rub salt in old wounds, the Australian beat Norris to the win. Norris was clearly upset about this at the post-race interview, and it might add some tension to the mix. While Norris had a better start to the season, Piastri has inched closer to the Brit as the upgrades have balanced out.

While every team requires two competent drivers fighting for the win, McLaren is no stranger to teammate rivalries going sour. Talk about a throwback to the Senna and Prost Rivalry. But tough lessons are to be learned from, and Andrea Stella is looking to keep the pot from boiling over!

WATCH THIS STORY: How Lando Norris Had a Chance to Go to Red Bull But Instead Chose McLaren

But will the McLaren duo chase after Red Bull, or will they crash and burn because of a flame lit internally? Stay tuned to find out!