After last year’s McLaren upgrade package in Miami, Red Bull’s F1 dominance came to an abrupt end. Although Verstappen eventually retained his F1 crown, McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes regularly challenged for victories.
Because of this, there is optimism that 2025 could be an extremely close title race – though this time from start to finish.
However, McLaren showed very impressive pace in Bahrain Testing – and could already have a sizable advantage over the field.
Why McLaren have all the ingredients for 2025 title success
Claiming last year’s constructors title was a huge milestone for McLaren, who hadn’t won an F1 Championship since 2008.
There is no denying that Andrea Stella’s team comprehensively out developed the grid last year – with updates that were as effective as they were consistent.
Of course, the Woking-based operation wants to claim the drivers title this year.
Whilst Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have both managed expectations over winter, the overwhelming sentiment from the McLaren camp is one of confidence.
For all of McLaren’s performance last season, they switched development to 2025 relatively early.
Unlike Red Bull and Mercedes, who were still working to fix underlying issues in the final rounds, the papaya squad felt confident enough in their concept to divert resources to 2025 before their rivals.
It’s difficult to name a single McLaren update that has failed since Austria 2023 – when they first began to make big strides.
Ominous signs in Testing
The MCL39’s performance in winter testing, especially their long-run pace, was another case study for McLaren’s conversion of wind tunnel data into on-track performance.
As the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull found small issues in pre-season, the MCL39 completed its programme with virtually no surprises.
Considering that McLaren dismissed suggestions of reaching a development ‘ceiling’ last year (a real concern at Red Bull), they are confident there is still lap-time on the table.
When last season concluded, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella set out ambitious objectives for 2025. He that aggressive solutions would be pursued with the MCL39.
The Woking-based operation want to have a significant cushion over their rivals.
By doing this, they can avoid a repeat of the headaches from last year’s battle with Red Bull and Verstappen.
Although teams ran different engine modes and fuel loads in testing, GPS data suggests McLaren are the team to beat.
Rivals across the field expect the papaya team to be fastest. The question is how big their advantage will be.
Norris does not shy away from McLaren’s strong position
Inevitably, making predictions about performance before the first round is a difficult task.
Still, as we enter the final year of these regulations, there is no shortage of confidence surrounding McLaren.
Norris, like teammate Piastri, wants to wait until the Australian GP before drawing conclusions.
Still, the British driver is open about the fact his MCL39 looks very strong:
“It feels good,” he told NBC’s Sahil Kapur.
“After last season, I guess that’s the expectation from everyone – but it’s a new year.
“So we’re going on with hopes high, we’ve set our own high expectations. And the preseason tests in Bahrain were positive.
“We don’t know, I we think we’re on a good track. Feeling good, feeling confident.”
“But the competition is tough, so we kind of have to wait until Australia to see where we stack up.
“But knowing that everyone thinks we’re going to be at the top, and that’s what they’re betting on, makes me happy.”
