Mclaren to Halt 2025 Car Upgrades Amid Championship Struggle
McLaren has confirmed it will not introduce any further upgrades to its 2025 car as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris attempt to fend off Max Verstappen in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship. The announcement follows Verstappen’s recent victory at the United States Grand Prix, where he not only secured his third win in four races but also gained crucial points in the sprint race, tightening the championship race with just five rounds remaining.
Verstappen’s resurgence
Verstappen’s dominant performance in Austin brought him within 40 points of Piastri, while Norris trails just 14 points behind his teammate. The reigning champion’s Red Bull RB21 has emerged as the fastest car in the field, particularly after a remarkably robust turnaround from the team in recent races.
McLaren’s Strategic Decision
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confirmed the decision to cease upgrades for the remainder of the season. “When it comes to new updates, new parts, this will not happen for the rest of the season,” Stella stated post-race. This absence of further enhancements marks a significant shift as teams gear up for the final stages of the 2025 development race, effectively leaving McLaren at a disadvantage compared to competitors like Red Bull and Mercedes.
An Optimistic Outlook
Despite the disappointment of not introducing any further upgrades, Stella highlighted some positive aspects from the Austin race. While Piastri struggled for confidence, Norris showcased impressive race pace, closely matching Verstappen’s speed. “In terms of trend, today is a relatively reassuring race. Without battling Charles [Leclerc], Lando had the pace for a potential victory,” Stella commented.
The Sprint Race Setback
The team’s challenge was compounded by their inability to gather crucial data from Saturday’s 19-lap sprint, which saw both Piastri and Norris eliminated early. This setback undermined the team’s ability to fine-tune their setup ahead of the main race. “Not having completed the sprint left us somewhat on the back foot from a setup perspective,” Stella remarked, suggesting that more performance could have been extracted given better conditions.
Conclusion
As the 2025 F1 season progresses, McLaren faces an uphill battle with significant challenges ahead. The decision to forgo further upgrades may create hurdles for Piastri and Norris as they strive to maintain their standing against a resurgent Verstappen. However, with a few races left, the competitive spirit remains alive within the team, signalling a determination to push through the season with the resources currently at their disposal.
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For the latest updates and in-depth analysis on the F1 2025 season, stay tuned to BBC Sport.
