McLaren MCL38 Tops F1 'Best in All Conditions

Wolff Declares McLaren F1 as Grid’s New Benchmark

23/07/2024

Wolff hails the McLaren MCL38 as F1’s leading car, setting a new standard across all racing conditions.

Toto Wolff, the Mercedes F1 team principal, believes the season took a new turn in Hungary with McLaren’s one-two finish. The Austrian now sees the Woking-based team as the benchmark, capable in all circumstances.

“We must acknowledge that McLaren is now clearly ahead, in all conditions. They are the new benchmark,” Wolff stated. “It’s great that another team has stepped up and is able to win one or two races.”

“It’s good for all of us. But under these circumstances, we weren’t at the level to compete with them. However, I’m happy for them. And I’ve already seen the movie where they end up.”

However, with Mercedes lagging behind at the start of the season, Wolff admits chasing Red Bull and McLaren in the constructors’ championship will not be feasible. Instead, he is convinced that his team can finish third.

“It’s tough to catch up with Red Bull and McLaren, who are now the teams we are chasing. That’s why I think third place is the achievable goal. It’s human nature for expectations to be based on what you have just achieved.”

Nevertheless, Wolff was pleased to secure a podium in Hungary, on a track and under conditions that were not expected to favor his team: “But it’s clear that Budapest, particularly in the heat and on that asphalt, was never going to suit us.”

McLaren MCL38 Tops F1 'Best in All Conditions

McLaren MCL38 Tops F1 ‘Best in All Conditions McLaren MCL38 Tops F1 ‘Best in All Conditions

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