Max Verstappen admits ‘quite impressive’ F1 team have really surprised him recently

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Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has admitted he’s been impressed by McLaren’s recent form.

Verstappen was speaking, via the Daily Mail, ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

The Dutch world champion will be looking to return to winning ways after his streak finally came to an end in Singapore.

The track didn’t suit his Red Bull, but a poor qualifying performance all but ended his chances of adding to his 10 straight wins.

However, there’s much more confidence within the team that Suzuka could give them a much better chance of returning to the top step of the podium.

The Dutch driver has spent much of the season not even needing to look in his mirrors out in front this year.

However, Verstappen has admitted he’s been impressed with how much McLaren have improved this season.

Lando Norris was back on the podium last weekend after an exceptional drive from the Brit.

His rookie teammate Oscar Piastri has done fantastically well during his first season in F1 and it’s no surprise he’s just extended his contract with the team.

Verstappen impressed with McLaren improvement

Asked about the Woking-based team, Verstappen said: “Honestly, what they have done this year is quite impressive, from where they started to where they are now.

“So I, for sure, expect them to be strong. But of course, I hope to be ahead!”

There hasn’t been a change to a single team’s driver line-ups for 2024 yet, although Williams could still change.

It looks like the team currently called AlphaTauri will be sticking with Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo when he returns from injury.

This feels very harsh on Liam Lawson who has done fantastically well in the Australian’s absence.

McLaren though will be delighted that they’ve tied down Norris and Piastri for the foreseeable future.

They’re arguably the most talented pair of young drivers on the grid and have a car now that can consistently achieve podium finishes.

It’s no surprise that Verstappen has been impressed with how McLaren have gone about their business this year.

He’ll be hoping they don’t get too close to matching Red Bull’s pace next season.