McLaren Can Be Red Bull’s Biggest Challengers At COTA

Harry Sadoun Sports Betting Expert

4 minute read

Despite a slow start, McLaren have become a force to reckon with this F1 season as their driver pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri has combined for 219 points and seven podiums.

Piastri has definitely been the best rookie, having posted 83 points. He also got his second podium of the season in the last race in Qatar, becoming the first rookie since Lewis Hamilton in 2007 to get more than one podium finish.

McLaren’s surge and the performances by Norris and Piastri prompted Max Verstappen to remark that they are the “best driver line-up” among his rivals. A sentiment that two-time world champion, Emerson Fittipaldi, completely understands.

McLaren Have The Best Balance When It Comes To Drivers

The motorsport icon gave his interpretation of Verstappen’s remarks, saying that the McLaren driver pairing is the most well-balanced on the grid.

He stressed on Piastri’s performance as a rookie and Norris’ ability.

"I think what Verstappen is saying is that they are two young talents who are extremely fast."

"To me, Piastri has been a surprise, doing as well as he is doing in his first year in F1. He's adapted himself very well to the car, to the team. I think he's doing an amazing job."

"Lando Norris, we know his qualities and talent. That's already been proven. And I understand what Max is trying to say. This is the best balance of equal drivers in one team."

Exchanging Information Always Helps

Fittipaldi adds that exchanging information between drivers and engineers always helps teams and also the drivers in improving their performance.

He adds his own example, how he and former teammate Ronnie Peterson were very transparent with each other and shared information.

"In one way, it helps to be so competitive."

"I'm sure, the information that Piastri gets driving the McLaren to the limit and Norris, both working together. The engineers exchange information. All this, for sure, will improve McLaren's performance."

"And I think that's what the comment from Verstappen is all about."

"I remember when I was with Ronnie Peterson, we had a completely transparent setup and we talked to each other, to Colin (Chapman), with the team. And I think that makes a big difference, when there is collaboration between the drivers. That helps a lot."

The double F1 world champion does, however, add that there will be times when Norris and Piastri will give each other a hard time, and that’s what racing is all about.

"The American expression 'when the flag drops, the bullshit stops' is real, and the teammates are racing each other but when they go back to the paddock, to the pits, and pass as much information as they can, that will help them improve each other."

"I think McLaren's pairing is a very good combination. I'm sure they'll have hard times on the track, trying to overtake each other."

McLaren Can Be Red Bull’s Biggest Challengers At COTA

With the Circuit of the Americas hosting the US Grand Prix this weekend, Fittipaldi has earmarked his former team to take the fight to the dominant Red Bulls, despite Verstappen having the advantage.

Fittipaldi also assessed the features of the track that make it a hard one to optimize for. He named the mix of different speed corners and the long straight as elements which make it hard to maximize the output of the car.

"COTA is a very difficult track to get the maximum out of the car because you have many different types of corners. Some very difficult sections to follow up. If you missed the first one, you're going to miss the other ones. A very long straight with very hard braking."

"In my opinion, it is very difficult to set up the car properly and optimize it for the track. And that goes the same for driving. It's a challenging track to drive. It's a demanding track."

"I can see this year, the McLarens should be very fast there. I think they're coming to a point where they can be the Red Bull's biggest challengers."

"Verstappen still has the big advantage."

COTA Is Like A Modern Watkins Glen

The two-time Indy500 champion expressed his admiration for the US Grand Prix, in particular the environment it creates for the fans.

"The US Grand Prix is amazing. A lot of spectators, a lot of camping, a lot of families attending the event."

"In my opinion, it is one of the best grands prix in the world because the people going there, it's a big event. It's not just a motor race. The event brings people together."

"The layout of the track is fantastic for spectators because they have this bank, grass where people stay. It's a great track for spectators with great access and organization."

He also likened it to the site of a former grand prix in the US - Watkins Glen.

"In a way it reminds me of Watkins Glen but 50 years later. Much more modern. The name is perfect. The US Grand Prix."

"To me it's one of the best grands prix ever."

Cover Image: Imago/Motorsport Images

Harry Sadoun

Harry Sadoun is a seasoned sports betting expert with a wealth of experience in the iGaming and sports betting industry. Over the past 5 years, he has established himself as a go-to source for insightful analysis and predictions at Vegasinsider. With a passion for sports, Harry specializes in football, basketball, tennis, rugby, and soccer, showcasing a diverse understanding of athletic competitions. Harry's unique approach to sports betting is rooted in a combination of statistical analysis, in-depth research, and a keen understanding of the dynamics that influence game outcomes. His expert opinions and strategic insights have made him a trusted voice in the industry, guiding both novice and seasoned bettors alike. With an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and up-to-date information, Harry Sadoun continues to be a prominent figure in the world of sports betting, providing enthusiasts with the tools they need to make informed decisions. More from Harry Sadoun