Verstappen: McLaren Leading the Way, Red Bull Left to Chase

McLaren’s Rapid Progress

McLaren’s strong form has been evident since the latter half of the 2024 season, and their latest upgrades have solidified their place at the front of the grid. Lando Norris secured a dominant victory in the most recent Grand Prix, while his teammate, Oscar Piastri, has consistently challenged Verstappen for podiums. The Woking-based outfit’s superior straight-line speed and improved tire management have proven to be crucial factors in their success.

“We’re just not as quick as McLaren at the moment,” Verstappen admitted after finishing behind Norris in the last race. “They’ve done a great job with their car, and right now, we’re in the group chasing them rather than leading.”

Red Bull’s Struggles

Red Bull, which dominated the early stages of the new ground-effect era, has found itself in a battle with Mercedes and Ferrari rather than controlling races from the front. The RB20 has struggled with tire degradation and one-lap pace, leaving Verstappen and Sergio Pérez vulnerable in qualifying sessions.

Team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic. “McLaren has definitely taken a step forward, and we need to respond. We have upgrades coming in the next few races, and we believe we can close the gap,” Horner said.

Ferrari and Mercedes in the Mix

While McLaren leads the way, Ferrari and Mercedes have also made gains. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have both shown flashes of strong pace, with Ferrari’s race-day performance improving significantly. Meanwhile, Mercedes, after a slow start to the season, is beginning to unlock the potential of their latest concept, keeping them within reach of Red Bull.

What’s Next?

With Red Bull now in unfamiliar territory, the upcoming races will be crucial in determining whether Verstappen can mount a fightback. The next Grand Prix at Suzuka—a circuit that traditionally suits Red Bull—could provide an opportunity for the team to regain momentum. However, if McLaren continues its upward trajectory, Verstappen may face his toughest title challenge yet.