Two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has labelled McLaren’s progress from backmarker to regular podium challengers as the ‘highlight of the 2023 season’, despite Max Verstappen breaking record after record with a haul of 19 Grand Prix victories from a possible 22.
McLaren embarked on a fairytale journey over the course of the 2023 campaign, completing their transformation from the very back of the grid at the season opener in Bahrain to consistent podium sitters after the summer break.
With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both turning in consistent performances and Andrea Stella overseeing a development trajectory that was as aggressive as it was successful, McLaren were able to surpass Aston Martin in the Constructors’ Championship and confirm a P4 finish.
Discussing last season’s success at the Autosport Awards, Hakkinen said: “Overall, when I look back and talk about the McLaren team, where they started this season and where they finished in Abu Dhabi, the development they have made with the car and with their strong drivers is for me the highlight of the year.
“It’s not only good on the outside, but it’s also good internally. You see the team spirit and how they managed to focus from the position they were in. They have always had an eye for developing the car. They have done something very good.”
Hakkinen’s faith in his former team is nothing new. The legendary Finnish driver made a bold prediction during the summer break last season, claiming that the Woking-based team would be Red Bull’s greatest threat in the second half of the year.
“I think they’re going to surprise us massively,” he explained last summer. “The only surprise I think we will see is the possible progress of McLaren. Just in terms of the speed of the car, they’ll probably give Red Bull a run for their money.”
This prediction largely came true as Norris and Piastri established themselves as regular threats to Verstappen. The pair collected a total of nine podium finishes during the 2023 season with the latter even beating the reigning world champion to a sprint race victory in Qatar.
McLaren are now aiming to continue their upward trajectory in the development race over the winter break. With Mercedes and Ferrari also expected to converge on reigning champions Red Bull in 2024, the Woking-based team are hoping to take Grand Prix victories away from Verstappen over the coming 12 months.