McLaren are just eight points behind Red Bull in the F1 constructors' standings, while Lando Norris is slowly catching up to Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Sky Sports F1.
When Verstappen won four of the opening five races, many thought Red Bull could break the record in the 2023 season.
But since the Miami Grand Prix in early May, McLaren has won most of its races while Red Bull has lagged behind its rivals.
McLaren are 115 points behind Red Bull in the constructors' standings after round six of the season in Miami, but the gap has been reduced significantly over the past 10 races.
Since Miami, Verstappen and Red Bull have won just three races, with Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing on the podium in succession. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren took 27 points over Red Bull, reducing the gap to 51 points.
Red Bull were left in crisis after Sergio Perez failed to finish in the top five at Budapest in July and Verstappen only managed a single podium at Zandvoort in the same period.
McLaren have clearly outpaced Red Bull this season and, with a significant upgrade package unveiled at Zandvoort in the first race after the summer break, have solidified their lead and could lead the Constructors' Championship for the first time since 2012.
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Nico Rosberg and Natalie Pinkham discuss the importance of sports psychology in Formula 1 and how a positive outlook can influence race results.
Will McLaren be as dominant as Red Bull?
It may sound surprising, but it's not as ridiculous as it sounds when you look at how far ahead Red Bull were at the start of the season and how far ahead McLaren have been in recent games.
The difference is that Ferrari and Mercedes have outpaced Red Bull in recent races.
The Australian and Austrian Grands Prix saw McLaren's lead look bigger in Melbourne due to the late appearance of the Safety Car, while Norris and Verstappen were on similar speeds at the Red Bull Ring but collided.
What is important in the title race is that Verstappen has won close contests with Norris in Imola, Canada and Spain, to secure his lead in the championship. He now has a comfortable 62-point lead with eight races remaining.
Looking back at last year, Red Bull had a complete lead, the only exception being the Singapore Grand Prix.
However, their pace advantage was not as great as it was when the field caught up to them later in the season. McLaren found their pace and took several podiums late last year.
Twelve months later, McLaren have a much more powerful car, which shows they were already competitive in the upcoming races last year.
There is no doubt that the momentum is firmly in McLaren's favour and they are the favourites to win the Constructors' Championship. Don't rule out a Norris title if Red Bull continues to struggle in the remaining events.
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Craig Slater analyses the differences between McLaren and Red Bull in the 2023 and 2024 seasons as Lando Norris looks to replace Max Verstappen in the Drivers' Championship.
Live Azerbaijan GP schedule on Sky Sports F1
Thursday, September 12th
12:00 p.m.: Driver press conference
Friday, September 13th
7:55 AM: F2 Practice
10:00 AM: Azerbaijan GP Practice 1 (Session starts at 10:30 AM)
11:55 AM: F2 Qualifying
1:45pm: Azerbaijan GP Practice 2 (Session starts at 2pm)
3:15pm: F1 Show
Saturday, September 14th
9:15am: Azerbaijan GP Practice 3 (Session starts at 9:30am)
11:10am: F2 Sprint
12:15 PM: Azerbaijan GP qualifying build-up
1pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying*
3pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook
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Take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments that have taken place around the Baku City Circuit.
Sunday, September 15th
8:30am: F2 Feature Race
10:30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Azerbaijan GP Preparation*
12pm: Azerbaijan Grand Prix*
2pm: Checked Flag: Azerbaijan GP reaction
3pm: Ted's Laptop
*Also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 heads to mainland Europe this weekend for the Baku and Azerbaijan Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime
