Brown Optimistic for Championship as Perez Faces Challenges

Max Verstappen is the main reason Red Bull Racing is leading in the constructors’ championship.

With Sergio Perez often lagging, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are taking advantage. McLaren CEO Zak Brown sees an opportunity and discusses their chances.

Brown on McLaren in the Championship

McLaren is 51 points behind Red Bull in the standings. Red Bull has 389 points, with Verstappen contributing 265 and Perez 124. Brown acknowledges it won’t be easy, but he believes there’s a chance for McLaren to catch up.

“We want to get through the first half of the season and see where we stand this weekend,” Brown told Sky Sports in Belgium on Friday. “The constructors’ championship isn’t going to be easy, but it’s within reach.”

Fans might think this sounds hopeful for McLaren’s future.

“The challenge in the driver’s front is that even Max’s bad days are still second or third places,” Brown added. “So making those clawbacks we’re doing in the constructors’ race, we can achieve this.”

“Perez is struggling now,” he continued. “But we know he can turn things around anytime. This will be something we’ll discuss over the summer break.”

What do you think? Can McLaren close the gap?