McLaren’s Remarkable Performance in Formula 1: A Closer Look at the MCL39

McLaren has made a significant impact in the world of Formula 1 this season, showcasing a performance that many are calling one of the most impressive in the sport’s history. As the team heads into the next race in Singapore, they are on the verge of securing the constructors’ championship title. With just 13 points needed to match Red Bull’s record from 2023 for the most championships won with races still left in the season, McLaren is riding high on their remarkable success.

Dominance on the Track: McLaren’s Stellar Season

This season, McLaren has outperformed expectations, accumulating more than double the points of their closest competitor, Mercedes. They’ve achieved an astonishing 12 victories out of 17 races, including seven races where their drivers finished in the top two positions. The star of this season is undoubtedly the MCL39, a car that has been lauded for its performance and has left other teams scratching their heads about how McLaren managed to elevate their game so dramatically for the 2025 season.

Despite these impressive statistics, McLaren’s drivers have been cautious about declaring their car to be significantly superior to the competition. Lando Norris, the team’s second driver and currently placed second in the championship standings, has been particularly vocal about the challenges they face. He experienced a tough outing during the recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix, qualifying in seventh place after miscalculating the timing of his qualifying run. This decision was made amidst a chaotic qualifying session characterized by multiple red flags and potential rain, leading Norris to seek a safer route to set a competitive lap time.

Struggles and Challenges: Norris and Piastri’s Weekend

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix did not go smoothly for Norris, who found himself unable to make significant headway during the race, ultimately finishing in seventh position. He spent much of the race behind Yuki Tsunoda, who drove for Red Bull, while Max Verstappen, Tsunoda’s teammate, dominated the race from the pole position for the second consecutive event after Monza. Norris expressed his frustrations post-race, stating, “We were not that quick honestly. I don’t think we were bad, but I could barely keep up with Tsunoda, and there were parts of the track where the Red Bull was just unbelievably fast.”

Norris acknowledged that the MCL39 was not performing at its best in Baku, describing the car as "difficult to drive" and "on a bit of a knife’s edge at times." He pointed out that the car did not instill a great sense of confidence, which was reflected in both his and his teammate Oscar Piastri’s performances during the race weekend. Piastri’s own struggles were highlighted by his inability to participate in much of the first practice session due to a power unit issue and his subsequent difficulties in qualifying, where he finished ninth after crashing in Q3. The challenges continued for him in the race, where he crashed out on the first lap, breaking a streak of 34 races in which he scored points.

The Performance Gap: McLaren vs. Red Bull

Even if both McLaren drivers had fared better during the Azerbaijan event, Norris believes that they still would not have been able to challenge Verstappen effectively. He pointed to the inherent weaknesses of the MCL39, particularly its adaptability compared to other teams. “I don’t think we had the pace of Red Bull,” he asserted. “That was very, very clear. I think just the lower downforce tracks, we still seem to struggle. We still don’t have the confidence we need. It can be quick; we’re just not able to repeat it as often as we need to and as often as Red Bull, for example.”

Norris’s comments reflect a broader trend: while McLaren has had a fantastic season, they still have areas that require improvement. For instance, on low downforce tracks like Monza, where Verstappen excelled, McLaren found themselves off the podium. Similarly, in Canada, where George Russell from Mercedes claimed victory, McLaren faced challenges and Norris’s race ended prematurely due to a collision with his teammate.

This performance gap has led to some frustration for Norris, who has observed that fans seem surprised by Red Bull’s pace. “People need to stop being so surprised that they’re quick,” he remarked, referencing Max Verstappen’s early-season victories. Looking ahead, Norris anticipates that the competition will remain fierce, especially as they approach the final seven races of the season, with upcoming circuits like Vegas posing additional challenges.

Understanding the MCL39: A Complex Machine

The MCL39 has been described as a remarkable car, but Norris has repeatedly emphasized that it is not as straightforward to drive as it may appear. Unlike some vehicles that are forgiving and easy to maneuver, the MCL39 demands a delicate touch, particularly when entering corners. Norris has had to adapt his driving style to accommodate the car’s characteristics, which tends to favor a more passive entry into corners to maximize exit speed.

Reflecting on his experience in Baku, Norris noted, “The mistakes Oscar’s made and I’ve made just prove it’s not an easy car to drive still. It can be unbelievably fast at times, but places like here and other tracks, it can still bite you if you just go one step wrong.” This sentiment was echoed by Andrea Stella, the team principal, who acknowledged that the car did not provide the necessary speed to challenge for overtakes during the Azerbaijan race. Stella noted, “We were hoping to have a car that was in condition to overtake, but the reality today is that the car wasn’t fast enough to stay close to the car ahead.”

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Championship

As McLaren heads into the latter part of the 2025 season, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. The team is well aware of the challenges they face but remains optimistic about their ability to secure the constructors’ title. Despite the ups and downs experienced during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, both drivers and the team are committed to improving their performance. The MCL39 may not be perfect, but its potential is clear, and the lessons learned from each race will be crucial as they push forward.

With their sights set on the championship, McLaren will need to harness the strengths of the MCL39 while addressing its shortcomings. As they prepare for the races ahead, the focus will be on refining their strategies and improving their overall speed, especially on tracks that have previously posed challenges. The team’s resilience and determination will be key as they navigate the complexities of Formula 1, aiming to solidify their place at the top of the standings.

In conclusion, McLaren’s journey this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. While they have faced challenges and setbacks, their performance has been a testament to their hard work and dedication. As they look to the future, the team is poised to continue making waves in the world of Formula 1, with every race providing an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and further their quest for championship glory.