McLaren’s Commanding Lead in the 2025 Season: A Double Victory at Stake?
After a challenging season in 2024, where McLaren narrowly missed out on both titles due to a series of missteps and errors, the team has made a remarkable comeback in 2025. With its MCL39 dominating the tracks, has won all but one grand prix, leaving fans wondering if history will repeat itself.
The Road to Victory: Overcoming Past Mistakes and Consistent Competition
McLaren‘s current success doesn’t guarantee a double victory, as the team is only measured by its performance in the last race. Rivals like Mercedes and Red Bull are expected to close the gap as updates roll out. To avoid another near miss, must maintain its focus and consistency when facing stronger competition for race wins.
The cracks that appeared in 2024 were evident in several key moments throughout the season. Misjudged strategy calls, slow pit stops, and mistakes from drivers cost valuable points and opportunities for victory. In Canada, Lando Norris lost seven championship points due to a miscalculated switch from intermediate tyres to slicks. Similarly, wrong decisions during the 2024 Silverstone Grand Prix resulted in Norris missing out on another ten points.
The Hungarian Grand Prix: A Turning Point for McLaren
The Hungarian Grand Prix was a pivotal moment for McLaren. In-fighting between Norris and Oscar Piastri, broadcast over team radio, showed the team’s vulnerability. Despite being in a position to clinch a second F1 victory, Norris chose to prioritize teamwork over individual success, allowing Piastri to pick up his first win. This decision cost Norris valuable points and potentially altered the course of the drivers’ championship.
The 2025 Season: Balancing Teamwork and Competition
In 2025, McLaren holds a commanding lead in both the constructors’ standing and the drivers’ standings. Piastri sits 16 points ahead of Norris, who himself is 16 points clear of third-place Max Verstappen. However, this lead does not guarantee a double victory for . The team must decide whether to support one driver over the other if it wants to finally achieve the double – a feat has not accomplished since 1998.
So far, McLaren has resisted implementing team orders, with CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella advocating for free racing. However, as Norris chases down Piastri in the closing stages of races, an “interesting situation” may arise within the team. The team boss warns that a closer battle will come in future races, potentially impacting ‘s position at the top of both championships.
If McLaren continues to prioritize teamwork over individual success, it could pave the way for an attack from Verstappen or even an improving Mercedes. Should the worst happen and the pair come together mid-race, a loss of double-digit points at could make all the difference in its quest for a constructors’ crown.
It remains to be seen how McLaren will navigate this delicate balance between teamwork and competition as the races continue in 2025. One thing is certain: the team cannot afford another near miss if it wants to secure both world titles.
