McLaren F1 extend their 2025 lead as Verstappen and Red Bull express serious doubts over title hopes and car performance.
Max Verstappen’s behavior at the end of the race made headlines, while Oscar Piastri is beginning to solidify his claim to the 2025 World Drivers’ Championship title.
Both Verstappen and his Red Bull advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, agreed after the chequered flag in Barcelona that McLaren is clearly on track to win both championships this year.
“I never said I was in a title fight, to begin with. So far, every race has been tough. When the McLarens get it right, they are unbeatable. And I think that’s quite clear this season,” said the driver after the finish.
“It’s not the end of the championship,” Marko insists in response to Verstappen’s pessimistic remarks. “But it’s getting harder and harder.”
McLaren Leave Red Bull Behind
Verstappen, who finished third behind the two McLarens, is now 49 points behind after 9 of the 24 rounds. Moreover, despite the stricter front wing flex tests, the Woking-based team still seems to be pulling ahead of Red Bull.
“The gap to McLaren is becoming frightening,” admits Marko, “especially because we can’t keep up with McLaren’s pace despite the upgrades we’ve made to the car.”
“We’re about two or three tenths slower, and even Max can’t close that gap.”
The 2025 season, however, is not just a Verstappen-McLaren duel, but rather a Piastri-Norris showdown. And it is the 24-year-old Australian, less experienced than Norris, who has once again widened the gap, albeit limited to 10 points.
His Sunday in Barcelona was typical, increasingly reminiscent of Kimi Räikkönen’s demeanor.
Piastri Embraces Ice Mentality
“I’m not sure I want to be nicknamed Ice-Boy,” Piastri protested when told of the nickname that’s beginning to circulate.
Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde said: “He doesn’t make waves, he’s a bit boring, that’s how you win a championship.”
“He did it in Formula 2 as well. Piastri won Formula 3 and Formula 2 in back-to-back seasons, because when he has the chance to win, he does it just like he’s doing now.”
“If he doesn’t have that chance, he simply takes second or third. He keeps his cool, and that’s how you win a championship.”
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