F1 News

F1 Mika Hakkinen designates best Formula One team

Hakkinen pinpoints best Formula One team: 'Hope they will dominate'

6 September at 20:30
  • Estéban den Toom

Max Verstappen is still the front-runner in the drivers' championship of Formula 1 with Red Bull. However, things have not been going well for the Dutchman in recent Grands Prix, who frequently complains about his RB20, the car. Mika Hakkinen thinks McLaren is currently the best team on the grid, plus the team is the fastest. The Finn gives his findings.

Verstappen's last victory in Formula 1 dates back to 23 June, when the reigning world champion crossed the line first in Spain. But Hakkinen sees a shift on the grid since the last few races. "Now they (McLaren) are the fastest. They are the best team out there and this is the most exciting time in my opinion, to see what is going to happen for the rest of the season."

Hakkinen on McLaren

In 2023, Red Bull were hugely dominant in Formula 1. Verstappen won as many as 19 races last season. At the start of 2024, this seemed to become the standard again for a while, but by now McLaren seems to be the best team. Hakkinen also talks about McLaren's possible dominance in the top class of motorsport.

"Are they going to flat out dominate? I hope they will. Or is there going to be some other teams upgrading their cars? I don't think so. I think McLaren have the tools, the drivers, the designers. They have the management and the mega fantastic partners financing this great team. I don't think anyone is going to catch them," concluded the world champion of the 1998 and 1999 seasons.

This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton

Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!

XInstagram | TikTok | YouTube