Once again, McLaren failed to optimize an F1 weekend. This is despite the MCL38 having the best package in the Brazilian Grand Prix. The opportunity to close the gap in the drivers’ standings with Verstappen was huge, especially given the penalty for the internal combustion engine (ICE) replacement on the RB20 number 1. The weekend began well with a one-two finish in the Sprint Race. Then came the rain, and everything changed. Qualifying was postponed to Sunday, and the track was constantly wet, where every small error could be fatal.
In the morning session, Lando managed to secure pole position brilliantly, despite difficulties on track before Q3. But now to the most intriguing aspect of this Grand Prix: McLaren’s failure. The race already started with moments of tension for the papaya-colored team. During the formation lap, Stroll got stuck in the gravel, and the start was canceled. In such cases, a second installation lap should be completed. But inexplicably, Norris didn’t wait for the green and started. Even before the race began, he was under investigation as the leader.
Once the situation was resolved, he was overtaken by Russell at the start and remained stuck behind his compatriot for the entire first stint. Then, like Ferrari, McLaren pitted before the red flag, which was a mistake, and found themselves in sixth position. On the restart after the red flag, he was overtaken by Leclerc and his teammate, running wide at turn 1. Piastri would later give him back his position at the end of the race, but the Brit finished in sixth, behind Charles’s number 16 car, despite starting from pole. Meanwhile, Max won the race after starting from 17th place. A disaster for McLaren’s championship hopes.
F1: McLaren and Ferrari Both Err, but the Red Car Remains in Pursuit
And it’s true that, according to Andrea Stella, the drivers’ championship wasn’t the main target from the start. “Even when there was a need to support one driver or the other, it was always secondary to maximizing the F1 constructors’ championship,” said the team principal. And as for securing that title, there is still time, especially after Ferrari’s latest misstep. The Spaniard Carlos Sainz damaged his car not once but twice during both qualifying and the race itself, bringing no points to Ferrari.
Charles Leclerc remains, stoically defending with an almost undriveable car to limit the damage. His fifth-place finish secured just 10 points which, while not hurting Ferrari too much against McLaren, are a small return compared to Max Verstappen’s 26 points. Hats off. It was a great race for him—out of necessity, with passion. Just what you’d expect from a true champion. That said, Sergio Perez deserves a big thank you… simply for being Perez! If it weren’t for him, we’d be at risk of losing even more valuable points.
Norris, reflecting on the error afterward, spoke instead about trust in the team regarding the pit call, which was probably the most significant factor in his loss. With his usual attitude of not admitting his own mistakes, he commented on a “lucky” Red Bull… as if that’s a new thing! The driver mainly pointed to the rule allowing tire changes under the red flag. Max, who hadn’t yet pitted, definitely benefited from it. Still, I don’t think this was simply about luck.
Errors were made, and big ones at that, but the McLaren drivers remain relatively confident. Well, after all, they are still ahead in the constructors’ championship, as Oscar Piastri rightly points out. True, they couldn’t showcase their pace, and the weather played against them, but adapting to adversity should be a core skill for anyone aiming to reach the top—and stay there. And despite recent slips, Max is showing the fierce drive we’ve always known him for.
Even Zak Brown, after Mexico, spoke with clear words about the Dutchman. His talent isn’t in question, but his actions on track should be those of a champion—not aggressive or intended to harm others. Now, surely, the focus shifts to the last three races. Although it’s nearly secured at McLaren, the constructors’ title isn’t “locked tight,” and any lapse in attention, whether by the drivers or the team, could be fatal. Ferrari is lurking. In F1, after all, it only takes a single lap to lose everything.
Leave a Reply