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McLaren is planning to make the final European race of the 2023 Formula 1 season a "memorable one", after both drivers secured points last time out.
Key points:
- McLaren have had recent success at the Italian Grand Prix
- Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris both scored points last weekend
- Max Verstappen is attempting to win a record 10th consecutive race
The famed British team is fifth in the constructors' championship, after a solid five-race stretch which has led to a pair of podiums for Lando Norris and top five finishes for Oscar Piastri.
This weekend's Italian Grand Prix is the last race in Europe this season and is a track where McLaren has had recent success.
They finished first and second in 2021 when Daniel Ricciardo beat Norris to the line.
Norris finished fourth in Monza in 2020 and seventh in 2022, while Piastri won the feature race in Formula 2 during his championship-winning year in 2021.
Piastri — who is 12th in the drivers standings, but one point outside of the top 10 — said he is excited about what his car can produce in Monza.
"The team have been working hard to keep improving the car, and it feels good going into a race weekend knowing you have a car with so much potential," he said.
"Last weekend showed we're competitive despite the challenges we faced.
"We'll be taking our learnings into this weekend, and hopefully make the final European race of the year a memorable one."
Verstappen's chance at all time record
Max Verstappen is hunting a 10th consecutive race win, which would set a new record.
LoadingVerstappen's win at last week's Dutch Grand Prix — his ninth in a row — drew him level with Sebastian Vettel who managed the feat in 2013.
Alberto Ascari also won nine consecutive races he entered between 1952-53, but he did miss some events during this time. Despite missing races, Ascari is recognised as also holding this record.
Verstappen was victorious last year at Monza, and was involved in a memorable crash with title rival Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
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