Andrea Stella, the team principal at McLaren Formula 1, asserts that Max Verstappen remains the top contender for his fourth consecutive victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, despite starting from 11th due to an engine penalty.
Verstappen entered the weekend facing a 10-place grid penalty after using his fifth Honda combustion engine this season.
This marks the third consecutive Spa race where Red Bull has opted for an engine penalty, capitalizing on the track’s layout, which is known for facilitating overtaking; Verstappen previously won from 14th position in 2022 and from sixth last year.
However, with Red Bull and Verstappen showing less dominance in recent months while McLaren gains momentum, the challenge of navigating through the field is expected to be significantly tougher for the Dutch driver.
Nonetheless, McLaren still sees the reigning champion as the favorite to secure victory after Red Bull did not reveal their full potential during Friday’s practice sessions.
“Max is certainly a threat,” Stella noted. “His speed in dry conditions has been exceptional, and he has also shown his capabilities in wet conditions.”
“Based on our knowledge of this track, Red Bull was likely to still have an advantage over us, and I believe our observations today under wet conditions, and somewhat yesterday in the dry, supported this view.”
“Thus, he remains the favorite for the win, even with his starting position beyond the top ten.”
Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri led Friday’s FP2 session, finishing ahead of Verstappen, although Norris noted that Verstappen’s power unit seemed to be running at a reduced capacity.
“He has undoubtedly been the fastest all weekend,” Norris remarked.
“Even in FP2, they didn’t push the engine, unlike us. So, considering we were only two-tenths ahead, they clearly had more speed available.”
“I’m certain he will be making a quick charge through the field, which will pose a threat for us at some point.”
Reports from Friday’s long run pace indicated that Red Bull may be struggling with excessive tire degradation on the partially resurfaced Spa-Francorchamps circuit, an area where McLaren has demonstrated strength.
As Norris and Piastri, who will start fourth and fifth behind leader Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, remain cautious of a charging Verstappen, effective tire management on higher fuel loads could provide McLaren with a crucial advantage.
“We seem to manage the high levels of tire degradation better than others,” Stella explained. “We’ll see tomorrow if we can maintain this performance.”
“Our tire strategy is one we are confident with, utilizing two hard tires.”
“We hope to gain enough of an advantage at the start so that even if Max fights through the pack, we will be ahead.”
Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, pole man Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
In addition to Leclerc, who is effectively in pole position, the McLaren drivers will also need to contend with second-place starter Sergio Perez, who is under pressure to improve his performance in the second Red Bull, and Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes in third.
“I know Checo might adopt a more defensive approach than others, but Charles is also determined to secure a win from pole, so he’ll be fiercely competitive,” Norris pointed out.
“Hamilton will also be aggressive and ready to defend when needed.”
“We must find a way to manage our tires better than him. However, our pace from Friday gives us confidence that we can maneuver past them eventually.”
Watch: Verstappen Fastest, Leclerc Starts From Pole – 2024 F1 Belgian GP Paddock Reaction
