Why the 2025 McLaren struggled so much in Baku
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix proved to be a challenging weekend for McLaren, leaving the team with just six points. This result was surprising considering that the Woking squad is dominating the Constructors’ Championship and has already secured twelve wins this season. Yet on the streets of Baku, the MCL39 showed more weaknesses than expected.
Norris and Piastri struggle
Lando Norris, finishing only seventh, faced difficulties throughout the weekend. His decision to complete his Q3 lap before other drivers proved costly, and in the race he was unable to recover positions, remaining behind Yuki Tsunoda. Oscar Piastri also encountered technical issues, compounded by a qualifying error that forced him to retire on the opening lap.
Low-downforce circuits expose weaknesses
According to Norris, the McLaren performs best on circuits that require higher downforce, while tracks with minimal aerodynamic demand expose its vulnerabilities. “The car can be fast, but we don’t always manage to exploit it fully. In some areas it feels unstable and doesn’t inspire confidence. On circuits like Baku or Monza, our weaknesses become very clear,” he said.
Team principal confirms the analysis
Team principal Andrea Stella agreed with this assessment, noting that the MCL39 lacked the speed to stay with rivals on the main straight, making overtaking nearly impossible. “Our car just wasn’t quick enough in those sections to remain competitive, and it’s something we need to address moving forward,” he explained.
McLaren still title favorites, but not invincible
Despite the setbacks, McLaren remains a strong contender for the championship. However, the Azerbaijan GP highlighted that the MCL39 is not unbeatable: brilliant and dominant on many tracks, yet still vulnerable on fast, slippery circuits where low downforce exposes its limitations.
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