McLaren disclose surprising stance on Max Verstappen F1 ti…..read more
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has made a bold statement regarding Max Verstappen’s chances of retaining his dominance in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite Verstappen’s recent success at the Japanese Grand Prix, Stella believes the Red Bull star will face increasing challenges in sustaining his high level of performance unless Red Bull significantly improves the RB21.
According to Stella, the key to winning a championship lies not just in the skill of the driver, but in the overall competitiveness of the car. While Verstappen has continued to impress with his driving, especially with his commanding victory at Suzuka — his fourth consecutive win at the circuit — Stella argues that it will be difficult for him to maintain that momentum over a grueling 24-race calendar if the RB21 does not show consistent improvements.
Stella pointed out that while Verstappen’s talent is undeniable, McLaren’s own progress this season has brought Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri into contention. He hinted that if Red Bull loses its edge in car performance, Verstappen might not be able to stay ahead of McLaren’s drivers throughout the season. He emphasized that driver skill can only compensate so much when the machinery isn’t up to par.
The McLaren boss highlighted the importance of maximizing every race weekend, even when victory is out of reach. Using the Japanese Grand Prix as an example, Stella praised his team for racing “robustly” — a term he used to describe their ability to score strong points and stay consistent, even when they aren’t in a position to fight for the win. This approach, he believes, is essential in a championship campaign.
“It’s crucial to be in the position to win, but when that’s not possible, scoring as many points as you can becomes vital,” Stella told media including RacingNews365. He stressed that McLaren’s focus is not just on race wins but also on maintaining a high level of competitiveness and reliability throughout the season.
Stella also acknowledged Verstappen’s exceptional performance in Japan, where the Dutchman once again showcased his race craft and determination. He credited Verstappen for “making the difference” between the Red Bull and McLaren cars at Suzuka, implying that the current performance gap is being bridged primarily by Verstappen’s individual brilliance rather than Red Bull’s technical advantage.
Despite Verstappen’s strong performance at certain tracks, Stella believes that over the course of a long season, it is the team with the best all-round package that will come out on top. McLaren’s current strategy, therefore, is to stay consistent, improve their car with each race, and capitalize on any opportunity that presents itself.
In conclusion, Stella’s remarks reflect a growing confidence within the McLaren camp. While he respects Verstappen’s ability, he is cautiously optimistic that Red Bull’s potential decline in car performance could open the door for teams like McLaren to challenge for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. The message from Woking is clear: they’re ready to fight, and if Red Bull slips, McLaren will be there to take full advantage.
