P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has argued the importance of being a works team in Formula 1 has diminished, saying “I don’t think you need to be a works team to win in F1.” The 2024 campaign has seen four different teams take victory, Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren, with the latter being a Mercedes engine […]
In the 2024 Formula 1 season, Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren have all claimed victory, with McLaren impressively securing 10 consecutive podium finishes, establishing itself as a formidable contender. Despite being a Mercedes engine customer, McLaren has outperformed its supplier in the Constructors’ standings, leading by 100 points before the F1 summer break. McLaren’s recent success has highlighted that being a customer team can still be competitive in F1, as evidenced by Piastri’s win at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin emphasized the challenges of not being a works team, as they have struggled to maintain their early-season form and currently lag behind in the standings. However, with the implementation of the cost cap era in F1, the advantage of being a works team may diminish, creating opportunities for customer teams to excel, as seen with McLaren’s resurgence. Alonso’s concerns may ease in 2026 when Aston Martin transitions to a Honda-powered works team, potentially leveling the playing field.
