Emerson Fittipaldi expects McLaren F1 to be the favorite team for both world titles this year. The former driver wonders whether Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri could go for the drivers’ crown.
“I think McLaren is the big favourite” Fittipaldi told Talksport. “It’s not because I’m a McLaren guy, but if you look at the average performances last year, McLaren was always up to par. Red Bull started to get lost, they have their ups and downs. down.”
“They are a bit lost, and I think McLaren is very consistent. In my opinion, McLaren can win the world championship with Lando or Oscar. Lando, for sure, is much more experienced. It will be interesting. I think that McLaren, in my opinion, can win the world championship with Lando or Oscar.”
The 1972 and 1974 world champion expects to see Lewis Hamilton progress at Ferrari and shine in the colors of the Scuderia, but nevertheless warns that he will need a few weeks, or even several months, to feel comfortable.
“Lewis, it’s a year of transition for him. With all his wisdom, all his experience within Ferrari, it will definitely help Ferrari, but it takes time, maybe six months. But it would be great to see Lewis and Ferrari to perform well would be fantastic for motorsport.”
-Fittipaldi is pleased to see Latin American drivers return to Formula 1, particularly with the great performances of Franco Colapinto: “I think for Latin America it’s very impressive. In recent years, Mexican Checo Pérez and now Colapinto have done well.”
“I think he needs to gain more experience, but he is fast and has been very impressive since his debut in Formula 1. I hope we have more Latin American drivers in the years to come, because as long as the European drivers will give us a little chance, we will come back strong. It’s just a warning for the European drivers.”
