Unleashed Verstappen causes historical implosion at McLaren

The seemingly invincible McLaren team appears to be imploding from within. How is the best team on the grid slowly losing control?

"Is there a very real danger now that neither of your drivers could win this title?" That question was asked of McLaren team principal Andrea Stella after the United States Grand Prix. A question that perfectly covers the increasing cynicism inside the paddock.

The catalyst behind it all has been McLaren’s team orders. The so-called 'papaya rules' provide amusement for many in the paddock. Max Verstappen has already suggested that McLaren is simply making things too hard for itself, because you can't script a championship. It's a widely shared opinion inside the paddock.

The cynicism isn't solely within the media but also among competitors and fans. Competitors smirk at McLaren's mishandling of their drivers. Especially the fact that the drivers must fully comply with the team, thereby becoming obedient team players, is viewed by some as 'character assassination' of the two.

Norris was runner-up in the US GP - Photo: RacePictures

It can also be heard among fans. Yes, Max Verstappen was booed here and there, but that was after he won everything for an entire year. That the dominant factor in a sport is less loved by the public than the underdog is a common phenomenon.

However, McLaren has not had a long period during which they won everything. On the contrary, the public now seems to be siding with Verstappen because they see that the McLaren drivers aren't getting everything out of their car. The fact that McLaren has repeatedly tried to script races with team orders also does not benefit their image.

Moreover, McLaren didn't help their drivers by halting the development of the current car prematurely. Whereas Red Bull continue to release updates till Azerbaijan, McLaren has not come up with one for months.

Red Bull continues to fight till the end of the F1 season

Despite McLaren's significant lead, the rule in F1 is that inactivity equates to regression. The British team has chosen to focus on 2026 earlier. However, it could also deal a final blow to their 2025 drivers' title hopes.

It is clear that Red Bull, especially in the hands of Max Verstappen, currently holds the best cards for just about every race. Give Verstappen a car that can win, and he will do so. Something the McLaren drivers have consistently failed to do.

That was also Stella's conclusion after the Grand Prix in Austin. The drivers "could have done a better job," said the McLaren team boss about the recent performances.

Stella admitted that Verstappen finishing ahead of the McLarens isn’t just down to the Dutchman and Red Bull’s strength — his own drivers share part of it.

This is the final starting line-up in the US - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

According to many, that might be the most interesting situation. How can a team that became world champion in the constructors' championship with six races to go in Azerbaijan not deliver the drivers' world champion? If you are so dominant as a team, the drivers have simply failed.

In addition, McLaren still has the problem that one driver is designated as the number one. Norris has the more valuable contract because he is that. However, this is not reflected in the performances on the track. Piastri is not the true number one, but certainly not the second fiddle.

If Piastri wins the title, McLaren faces a big problem. Then the team has a number one who is not a one, but is paid as such. Piastri, with a title under his belt, will have to earn more than Norris.

Unleashed Verstappen chases the McLarens

In that sense, McLaren seems not to have learned from its past. Daniel Ricciardo was also signed to a long-term deal as a number one driver. However, he performed so below expectations that his contract was eventually bought out.

And with that situation among the drivers, where neither manages to maximize every weekend, Verstappen has proven able to stay close. With a lack of updates, Red Bull has now caught up, allowing Verstappen to compete for the wins again.

Stopping an unleashed Verstappen is e a significant challenge for the McLaren drivers, but if Norris and Piastri let this slip away, then history will indeed be made. By Verstappen — but also by McLaren, through an unprecedented implosion.

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Verstappen set to make history and McLaren disappoints

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