Mika Hakkinen delighted to see his bold McLaren prediction come true in 2023

Finnish driver Mika Hakkinen made some bold predictions for the McLaren squad which panned out successfully.

Mika Hakkinen delighted to see his bold McLaren prediction come true in 2023

Mika Hakkinen [L] Lando Norris [R] (images via IMAGO)

The Woking-based constructor of McLaren quickly rose to succession after bringing updates to the MCL60 after the mid-season break. Amidst this performance upgrade, Mika Hakkinen reflected upon the bold McLaren prediction that he made during the 2023 season.

The Finnish driver predicted that the McLaren’s improvement in performance would be a surprise for the paddock. In addition to this, Hakkinen also commented that McLaren would possibly challenge Red Bull in terms of the speed of the car.

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Mystic Mika highlighted that after spending time with people in the McLaren factory, it was evident that great performances would follow. Additionally, the 55-year-old insisted that every department felt like a team inside the McLaren factory as they worked continuously with each other.

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Talking with different people in the factory, seeing their motivation and how confident they were – they knew what they were talking about. And every department felt like a team.
Hakkinen said, as reported by McLaren.com.

The McLaren crew had done their calculations and homework repeatedly according to Hakkinen and this in turn boosted the veteran’s confidence in the team’s capability to challenge others on the grid. He also insisted on the factors of the McLaren crew that contributed to their success in 2023.

You could tell that they had done their homework and calculations, which made me confident. You need team spirit, and you need confidence in the team’s leaders, and that is what is going on.

Mika Hakkinen highlighted the mega success of teamwork at McLaren

The McLaren squad put forth great improvements and hence proved Hakkinen’s prediction to come true. Hence, the Finnish was delighted with this and congratulated the team for its success. In addition to this, he also insisted that there was direction with the McLaren team and this was the most important motivating factor for the success.

McLaren squad with Lando Norris, Zak Brown, Oscar Piastri and Andrea Stella present.
McLaren squad with Lando Norris, Zak Brown, Oscar Piastri, and Andrea Stella present (via F1).

All the aspects of the team combined, such as the mechanics, the engineers, the marketing team, the media, and every one working day in and day out on the track for the team contributed to the success. The hard work from everyone combined helped bring the team ‘mega-success’ as commented by Hakkinen.

Hence, the 2023 season concluded on a positive note for the Woking team. As the team prepares itself over the winter break, the McLaren crew has showcased optimism for the following season and aims at replicating better results from this season and potentially contending the front of the pack for the championship.

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