MCLAREN
McLaren looked to be the closest to Red Bull on balance last year but will need to take another yet another step forward to stay ahead of its rivals, which have underperformed across the last two seasons. The squad was the sport's big mover last season, with upgrades in Azerbaijan and Austria transforming its season. McLaren then became a podium magnet, with Lando Norris scoring seven of the squad's total of nine across the last 13 races - helping it to fourth in the constructors' standings.
Norris also took two Sprint podiums, as did unofficial 'rookie of the year' Oscar Piastri, one of which was his maiden Sprint win in Qatar. The young Australian, who is managed by his countryman, ex-F1 driver Mark Webber, proved to be a star of the future last year given his mature race craft and searing, natural pace and won himself a contract extension through to 2026. "I think that we're fully expecting to go into the year fighting for more, or at least making our good weekends we've had this year every weekend," Piastri said last season. "But I'm sure Mercedes and Ferrari have the same idea."
FERRARI
Scuderia Ferrari may have been the only team other than Red Bull to win a race last season, with Carlos Sainz on top in Singapore, but the squad must deliver a more competitive car in 2024. The Prancing Horse largely struggled with an unpredictable SF23 car last year, which suffered from excessive tyre wear, and inconsistent pace - across stints and tyre compounds - in races. But Charles Leclerc says Ferrari is confident it will make a "significant step forward," with knowledge gained since last year's Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort lifting the red team's morale.
This story is from the March 2024 edition of MAXIM Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of MAXIM Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ross Noble
The Pommy stand-up comedian and actor takes us through his final day on Earth...
Memoir of a A MALE ESCORT
In his tell-all biography, Australian male escort Ryan James takes readers inside his provocative world of sex and lust to discover how a twenty-something, clean-cut bloke from the suburbs ditched a career in finance to star in over 150 adult films and find success in the lucrative work of male escorting. This up close and personal look at the sex industry explores all the myths and misconceptions surrounding it, as well as his personal journey...
ABANDONED!
Planning a holiday? Why settle for sun, sand and surf, when you can visit deserted, magical lands full of radioactive leaks, evil curses and scenic asylums? Choose your destination from 10 of the world's best...
THE REAPER
Hot on the heels of his most recent battle at UFC 298, we throwback to our 2019 MAXIM Style fashion feature with Kiwi-born Australian mixed martial artist, and middleweight UFC champion, ROB WHITTAKER. He sure loves a suit, but loves to win even more…
15 BARS YOU NEED TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE
In his book 150 Bars You Need To Visit Before You Die master sommelier JURGEN LIJCOPS guides readers on a journey to the most extravagant watering holes in the world - each having a unique story to tell. Here's 15 of his favourites.
RUNWAY ROCKER
Getting to know horse riding, rock roll lover and budding travel vlogger JENNIFER BUTCHER...
RUNNING OF THE BULL
Red Bull Racing heads into this year's Formula One season as the undisputed top gun. So, who will take the fight to them? We check out the field to find some answers...
GOING HYBRID
CAMERON FALLOON, founder of BFT (Body Fit Training), and former strength and conditioning coach for international soccer and local AFL teams, tell us why hybrid training is the workout style of the future...
The TRIBE has SPOKEN
Russian-born beauty, Australian Survivor star and one of MAXIM's finest models, VALERIA SIZOVA, talks up the game, alliances and facing the ultimate test in physical and mental strength...
IT'S YOUR YEAR!
Clinical Nutritionist and Naturopath BROOKE BENSON CAMPBELL (BHSC) presents 10 tips on achieving a stronger mind, healthier body and a better you this year...