McLaren’s Dominance in F1 2025: A Game-Changer as Verstappen Concedes Ground
As the 2025 Formula 1 season races towards its thrilling conclusion with just 10 Grands Prix left, one thing is abundantly clear: McLaren is poised to claim both world titles in a spectacular fashion. With a commanding lead in the constructors’ standings, the iconic Woking-based team is on the brink of securing their first drivers’ championship since 2008, courtesy of the fierce competition between their star drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Meanwhile, reigning champion Max Verstappen finds himself in an unfamiliar position, trailing Piastri by a staggering 97 points—a gap so wide it seems insurmountable.
Verstappen, who is now the sole non-McLaren driver in the championship mix, has acknowledged the monumental challenge ahead of him. Even the prospect of winning just one race in the remaining season seems lofty, as McLaren’s MCL39 has set the bar impossibly high. The reigning champion has openly praised the McLaren machine, highlighting several key areas where it outshines the competition.
“The McLaren car is definitely better on its tyres,” Verstappen stated emphatically. “It keeps the tyres alive a lot nicer than all other cars on the grid. You can clearly see that in wet conditions, especially with intermediates. If you have good tyre management, it becomes even more evident because those tyres are more fragile and prone to overheating, and McLaren has that under control.”
This revelation has turned the tide of expectation, particularly regarding rainy race conditions. Verstappen once reveled in wet weather, believing it gave him an edge. However, this season, he concedes that McLaren’s superior tyre management has leveled the playing field. In dry conditions, Verstappen’s skill might shine through, but in mixed scenarios, the McLaren’s advantage becomes glaringly apparent.
Verstappen didn’t stop at tyre performance; he also lauded McLaren’s incredible medium-speed prowess, stating, “Their medium-speed performance is incredible compared to everyone else on the grid. The rotation they have on the front axle without compromising the rear is remarkable. That’s something we’re striving to replicate, but it’s virtually unattainable this year.”
As Red Bull Racing prepares for upgrades ahead of Zandvoort, the team’s focus has already shifted towards the 2026 technical regulations, leaving Verstappen in a defensive posture.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, echoed Verstappen’s sentiments regarding the MCL39’s capabilities. “You can see this from the GPS data,” he explained. “The speed comparison shows that McLaren generates the highest mid-corner speed in medium-speed corners. Max’s assessment is spot on.”
However, Stella tempered the enthusiasm by admitting that McLaren is not without its weaknesses. “We still have our weak points,” he cautioned. “In high-speed corners like Copse or Pouhon, we aren’t the fastest, and we probably aren’t the quickest in low-speed corners either. But the majority of corners in the championship are medium-speed, and in that range, our car is, data in hand, the best.”
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on McLaren as they continue their march towards an unprecedented double championship victory. With Verstappen struggling to keep pace, the narrative of the 2025 season has taken a dramatic turn—one that could redefine the landscape of Formula 1 for years to come. Will McLaren’s dominance continue, or can Verstappen find a way to claw back some glory? The battle is far from over, and the stakes have never been higher.
