What, in your opinion, has gone wrong for McLaren this year? 📉

Late in developing the car is definitely an issue. But Oscar Piastri cannot match Lando Norris this season. He still struggles with low grip conditions, which is more common with the new cars. There is just not as much downforce as in the previous GE cars.

tyler.rowlinson2mo ago

McLaren are definitely paying the price for focusing on 2026 too late. They’ll come good eventually, but blaming Mercedes for their power unit troubles won’t help them

aaditya.krishnamurthy2mo ago

I think F1 teams need to strike a balance with developing their car for the new season while not totally neglecting their ongoing year. McLaren didn't do that, and it cost them. Yes the Mercedes engine matter hasn't helped, but Alpine have outperformed expectations with the same engine, so they don't have much of an excuse.

wilsonjimwilson2mo ago

McLaren still won both championships last year. If they hadn't continued to develop the 25 car, Max might well have pipped them. So I think it was worth it for them.

david.comerford2mo ago

I think there are two main issues. 1) Developing the 2025 car so late into the season, which has cost them on the chassis side. 2) Not being able to optimise the Mercedes engine, partly because they're not getting much help!