McLaren sees 'underperforming' Perez as key to F1 title hopes

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes Sergio Perez has 'opened a window' that has allowed his team to scent F1 title glory this year.

McLaren and Lando Norris have emerged as the nearest challengers to Red Bull and Max Verstappen in the constructors' and drivers' standings following an improvement in performance since the delivery of an upgrade at the Miami Grand Prix.

The Woking-based team is just 78 points adrift of Red Bull, and although Norris has failed to capitalise on a number of opportunities that have come his way after breaking his F1 victory duck in Miami, he is 84 points shy of Verstappen.

Although Norris' task to reel in Verstappen over the remaining 12 races is an incredibly tough one, McLaren cannot be discounted from overhauling Red Bull, thanks to Perez.

The ailing Mexican has scored just 15 points over the past six grands prix, compared to Verstappen's 119, which has placed him under severe pressure and his seat in jeopardy despite only recently signing a new contract.

Whether Red Bull retains Perez after the summer break remains to be seen, but for now, McLaren is grateful for his assistance.

With Norris and Oscar Piastri both competing at the front of the grid, asked as to his team's title chances, speaking to media, including RacingNews365, Brown said: "I think it's going to be dependent upon Perez at the end of the day.

"You have to assume Max is going to be first, second or third at every race, the balance of the year - and probably more firsts than thirds.

"Sergio underperforming is what's opening the window for us. I think, if we have the same points gain as we've had the last six races the balance of the year, we'd get the job done, so we're fully aware of it."

Stella motivation vital to McLaren

McLaren has gained 37 points on Red Bull over those six grands prix referred to by Brown. Similar gains over the remaining 12 would see it fall four points shy. However, anything can happen.

Brown is naturally refusing to get too carried away, taking a leaf out of the book of team principal Andrea Stella.

"The way Andrea motivates the team, it's all about the weekend, the next session, and the next week," said Brown.

"We know we can do it, but that's not what's driving our motivation. What's driving our motivation is trying to get better, every session, every week, and the outcome will take care of itself."