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Andrea Stella declares Mercedes raises the bar: McLaren faces fierce competition ahead

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
February 6, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Andrea Stella declares Mercedes raises the bar: McLaren faces fierce competition ahead

Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2025 McLaren team principal Andrea Stella ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder

McLaren’s Andrea Stella Sounds Alarm: Mercedes Sets a New Standard in F1!

In a dramatic revelation from the heart of the Formula 1 paddock, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has thrown down the gauntlet, declaring that Mercedes has “definitely raised the bar” following an impressive pre-season performance in Barcelona. The electric atmosphere around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was palpable as Mercedes dominated the early running, racking up a staggering 500 laps during the ‘Shakedown Week.’ With drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli steering the charge, the Brackley-based team has sent shockwaves through the competition.

As McLaren gears up to defend its back-to-back Constructors’ Championship titles, Stella provided insights into the fierce competition brewing this season. The team managed to complete 291 laps during its allotted time, a respectable figure but one that pales in comparison to Mercedes’ commanding lead. “The fact that we saw 10 of the 11 teams on the grid in Barcelona—except Williams—underscores the intense competition we’re facing,” Stella noted, emphasizing the unpredictability of performance levels due to the chilly Spanish weather that hampered full visibility into rivals’ strategies.

The competition is heating up, and it’s not just Mercedes that has caught Stella’s attention. With Red Bull and Ferrari also flaunting strong early performances, it appears that the battle for supremacy in Formula 1 is more intense than ever. “It’s evident that there are at least three formidable competitors—Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull—who have all made a strong start,” he stated. The unique presence of differing power units across these top teams further complicates the race for dominance, hinting that absolute performance gaps may not be as pronounced as in previous years.

Stella’s analysis reveals a critical pivot point in the championship chase. “More than ever, it will be the teams and drivers’ ability to maximize their packages, alongside effective car development, that will ultimately dictate the outcomes this season,” he emphasized. The early stages of the championship might be misleading, as the balance of power is likely to shift dramatically as teams churn out upgrades and innovations throughout the season.

The countdown is on as McLaren prepares for its next test, with a filming day scheduled on Tuesday before the serious Bahrain testing kicks off. Fresh talent Oscar Piastri will take the wheel on the first day, followed by Lando Norris, as the duo aims to fine-tune their performance ahead of the high-stakes season.

With the stakes higher than ever, the F1 world watches with bated breath. Will McLaren rise to the challenge and reclaim its position at the pinnacle of motorsport, or will Mercedes continue to set the pace? As the countdown to the Bahrain testing begins, one thing is clear: the battle for the F1 crown is just heating up!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2019-red-bull-crandon-world-cup2025-mclaren-f1-championshipAndrea Stellaandrea-kimi-antonelli-3george-russell-2getspeed-mercedes
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