(Motorsports news) The Woking-based team has impressed this season, transforming its MCL60 from a middle competitor at the start of the season to a podium contender on a regular basis. Despite its current great form, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella recently stated that the company has yet to reach half of what it intends to do with its car’s aerodynamics.

That means it has a high chance of making a huge jump in 2024, especially since its new car will be the first to be constructed entirely in its new state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Woking. While McLaren appears to be Red Bull’s major rival at the moment, Stella is skeptical that any progress the team makes would ensure better results next year.

He is especially aware that Mercedes, a triple world champion team, has the capacity to hit back with its W15 following a radical revamp that it is contemplating. Stella remarked of McLaren’s prospects for 2024, “At the moment, we are encouraged by the development we see on next year’s car.”

“But, at the same time, I think it’s the same for everyone because some concepts are starting to become clear across the paddock right now. We’re not sure if we’re developing faster than other teams.” Above all, we don’t know if we’re progressing faster than Red Bull. “And don’t forget Mercedes; I believe Mercedes realized what they needed to work on.” And I have a feeling that Mercedes respond forcefully.

“At this point, there are no facts to suggest that this is the pecking order we’ll see next year. I believe things can change.” While Stella is concerned about how things will play out next year, he admits that development this year has been better than expected – yet meeting targets ultimately means little to him.

“Looking at the season, if we really want to check against this best expectation, I think we are slightly ahead of where we would have expected to be even in the most optimistic prediction.”

Also read: Horner: Red Bull must continue “riding the wave” of F1 success in 2023