Brown lays down the challenge to Red Bull: 'We'll win more races this year'

Zak Brown was delighted to see Lando Norris chase Max Verstappen in the closing stages of the Imola Grand Prix. The McLaren CEO senses blood and expects more race wins for McLaren in the rest of the 2024 Formula 1 season against Red Bull Racing.

Making Verstappen and Red Bull sweat

In 2023, Red Bull and Verstappen completed one of the most dominant seasons in the history of the sport. But this year, McLaren are confident they add to their Miami win.

"Since the second half of last year, we've been good. We have two great racing drivers. Andrea [Stella] and his team are doing an awesome job. The car keep getting faster and faster," Brown told Sky Sports after the race. "Today was maybe the first time we made Max [Verstappen] sweat a little bit. He was definitely pushing. He was at his track limit limit. He was giving all he had. I think we have the chance of winning a few more races this year," Brown said.

Remains grounded

Despite the optimism, Brown knows the team must keep pushing to get into a World Championship title fight. This weekend, Ferrari applied upgrades to their cars as well and Red Bull also had some new parts. Brown also wants to keep an eye on Mercedes.

"I think Red Bull have a great advantage, and they are still the team to beat. First we have to catch Ferrari and make sure Mercedes don't catch us. If we keep doing what we're doing, I don't see why Oscar [Piastri] and Lando [Norris] can't win more races this year," Brown concluded.