Red Bull has already amassed more points than its closest rivals combined, Häkkinen believes there’s a team on the grid who can out perform the Austrian Formula 1 team of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

Mika Häkkinen’s made his debut in Formula 1 with Lotus in 1991 and later joined McLaren in 1993. It was during his time with McLaren that Häkkinen began to showcase his immense potential, securing his first victory in 1997 and quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.

Häkkinen, a pundit we should listen to?

As an ex F1 driver turned pundit, perhaps the former F1 champion ought to be someone to take note of.

Häkkinen’s career was defined by his fierce battles and rivalries with some of the sport’s greatest drivers. One of the most memorable rivalries was with Michael Schumacher, as they fiercely contested for championships during the late 1990s. Their on-track battles were intense and captivated fans worldwide, with both drivers pushing each other to the limits of their abilities. Häkkinen’s bravery and precision behind the wheel were evident in his wheel-to-wheel duels.

McLaren driver and Champion

Häkkinen achieved back-to-back World Championships in 1998 and 1999, solidifying his place among Formula 1’s elite. These championships were the culmination of his exceptional driving skills, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Häkkinen’s ability to handle pressure and deliver exceptional performances when it mattered most set him apart from his competitors. His success was not only a testament to his talent but also a reflection of the teamwork and support he received from the McLaren team.

Beyond his championship triumphs, Häkkinen’s impact on Formula 1 extends to his lasting legacy. He is remembered as one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors, admired for his sportsmanship and humble demeanor.

“This is the team who might surpass Red Bull”

Häkkinen is confident that McLaren, his former team, will surpass Red Bull in the 2023 Formula 1 season, despite Red Bull’s dominant performance so far. While Red Bull has already amassed more points than its closest rivals combined, Häkkinen believes McLaren has the potential to challenge them by the end of the year, surprising many who expected the usual suspects like Mercedes or Ferrari to pose a threat.

With Red Bull comfortably leading the championship, followed by Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari, the general consensus is that Red Bull is poised to win the Constructors’ World Championship for the second consecutive time. However, Häkkinen does not share this view.

“I don’t think anyone can catch them this year,” Häkkinen stated, acknowledging the formidable position of Red Bull. However, he believes that McLaren, currently sitting in sixth place with only 17 points, will make significant progress and pose a challenge to Red Bull in the coming months.

Häkkinen: “They will put Red Bull to the test”

Häkkinen, a two-time Formula 1 world champion with McLaren, anticipates a turnaround for his former team. McLaren has plans for a substantial upgrade package that is expected to enhance the performance of their MCL60 car in the upcoming Grands Prix.

“I think they’re going to surprise us massively,” Häkkinen expressed his faith in McLaren’s potential. He further emphasized that McLaren’s improved speed and performance will likely give Red Bull a run for their money in the remaining races of the season.

“The only surprise I think we will see is the possible progress of McLaren in the next two months,

“Just in terms of the speed of the car, they’ll probably give Red Bull a run for their money.”

Despite the current standings, Häkkinen sees McLaren as the team capable of closing the gap and challenging Red Bull’s dominance in the championship.

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