Las Vegas – The McLaren F1 Racing Team entered the Las Vegas Grand Prix in first place in the constructors' championship standings, aiming to win their first title since 1998.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have both proven to be formidable forces on the racetrack all season, holding a narrow lead over Ferrari and Red Bull. If the McLaren drivers can achieve a 1-2 finish, the team could move even closer to that title.
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Australian McLaren driver Oscar Piastri drives during the final practice session of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix car race on Friday, November 17, 2023 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
However, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown revealed on Thursday that they are taking things one step at a time. he spoke to the media, touting the team's partnership with Mastercard.
“I think we have a good chance,” he said. “Ferrari might be the team to beat this weekend. I think we have a very strong race car with two great race drivers. This is a bit of a home race for me, not necessarily from Las Vegas. No, but this is my home country.'' So for me, it feels a little more special.
“Obviously it’s a great venue. It’s the first race we’ve done with the (Mastercard) branding on our race cars. It’s very exciting. We have great support and we’re counting down to race weekend. It will be a successful weekend if we can win this race or extend our lead over the constructors.”
Norris is also driving in hopes of surviving to the world championship. If Norris wins, he will remain in the title battle with Red Bull's Max Verstappen for at least one more race.
McLaren F1 CEO Zac Brown walks through the track entrance before the 2024 F1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on October 20, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Jerome Miron-Iman Images)
McLaren's Zak Brown and Mastercard's Raja Rajamannar highlight partnership ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix
An outcome similar to last year's Las Vegas race is unlikely. Norris retired after two laps, and Piastri moved up from 18th to 10th.
Brown said he was pleased with the team's cohesiveness this season and worked hard to get them in contention for the title.
“I'm happy with the current situation at McLaren. I think the men and women at McLaren have done a great job in all aspects of the racing team. We've obviously developed a very good racing car,” said Brown. , emphasized everything. Each department from finance to human resources made sure everyone kept their eye on the ball throughout the season, putting in the work and time to make the team as successful as it has been.
“I feel like the situation is very good right now. We haven't been here (in this position to win the constructors' championship) since 1998, so it's a lot of stress. “A 36-point lead means a It can disappear in a race weekend. We got the Ferrari. In street racing, anything can happen.”
McLaren Racing CEO Zac Brown walks through the paddock area before practice for the 2024 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on October 18, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Jerome Miron-Iman Images)
Brown said that even if fans came to him thinking that McLaren winning the constructors' championship was a foregone conclusion, he wanted to make clear that it wasn't over until it was over.
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“I think it's a big mistake to think we're done before we get into the end zone. So, you want us to be happy with where we are, but we've been very focused and I don't think we'll continue to be. No.'' Hopefully, we'll celebrate until we have the right to celebrate. ”
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