P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren has the strongest evidence yet of where it has gained on Red Bull in 2024, but also where Ferrari has supplanted it
McLaren has made significant progress in the 2024 season, showcasing improvements in aerodynamic performance at medium to high-speed tracks. The team faced challenges at slow-speed circuits, which they are working to overcome over the next year. While McLaren showed speed in qualifying – ranking as the second-fastest in Japan – they lagged behind in race pace compared to Red Bull and Ferrari. The team particularly struggled in sectors two and three, indicating room for improvement in those areas. Lando Norris finished behind Max Verstappen by a significant margin, highlighting the need for McLaren to enhance their overall race performance. Despite their shortcomings, McLaren remains optimistic about their ability to address weaknesses and compete with top teams like Red Bull and Ferrari on a more level playing field.
