2025 McLaren F1 Team

[hollus]

Guys, if you are not discussing McLaren, go to the race thread, or don’t post.
If the discussion is if there will be a race this weekend or not, or if it will be wet, race thread, please.
This thread is too noisy for anyone who might actually want to discuss the subtler points of all things papaya.
A token effort to be on topic, please.

[mwillems]

To be fair, it was short lived and framed around the idea that it would challenge the Papaya car, certainly that was my intent.

Given that these are the conditions that the MCL38 struggled in, if we do have those conditions, it's going to offer a view pretty immediately if the MCL39 has overcome some of its shortcomings.

Anyway, here's Lando playing down expectations.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/ar ... 4827801xeo

...

Asked if he thought that McLaren were favourites going into the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, Norris said: "I feel like we are now. I know there's a lot of expectation and it's what everyone says.

"I'm quite surprised so many people are so short-sighted, especially people you wouldn't expect to be, making so many conclusions before you even start the season.

"Everyone just wants to play that game of looking like the underdog and playing it down."

[Macklaren]

I think the FPs here will be more instructive than the actual race itself, given the weather forecast and expected chaos

[CHT]

I am really surprised that Piastri signed with term. Lando has been holding his own there. And there could be opportunities at the other big teams. Will Lawson and Antonelli work out ? Who knows. Will hamilton finish his contract or retire mid season ? I could see him retiring.

Advantage of Mclaren is Zac Brown still dont have a no.1 driver for Mclaren and they are both free to race. although Mclaren fans may prefer a British driver to become WDC with Mclaren..

Another advantage is Mclaren has signed a long term contract with Merc engine that could give Mclaren an advantage in 2026.

I believe Mark Webber has got all that sorted

[CjC]

To be fair, it was short lived and framed around the idea that it would challenge the Papaya car, certainly that was my intent.

Given that these are the conditions that the MCL38 struggled in, if we do have those conditions, it's going to offer a view pretty immediately if the MCL39 has overcome some of its shortcomings.

Anyway, here's Lando playing down expectations.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/ar ... 4827801xeo

...

Asked if he thought that McLaren were favourites going into the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, Norris said: "I feel like we are now. I know there's a lot of expectation and it's what everyone says.

"I'm quite surprised so many people are so short-sighted, especially people you wouldn't expect to be, making so many conclusions before you even start the season.

"Everyone just wants to play that game of looking like the underdog and playing it down."

I was going to post something similar regard Lando lowering expectations.
Right now it’s a case of believe what you want when you consider what George Russell said:
https://www.racefans.net/2025/03/13/mcl ... e-russell/

[Ground Effect]

Reuters are reporting, via Racing News 365 that Oscar's new contract sees him earn nearly $26M per year. It's replacing his previous contract of $7M annually. That is a huge amount, a huge bump up. Happy for him though, but it did make my head spin.

[Macklaren]

Reuters are reporting, via Racing News 365 that Oscar's new contract sees him earn nearly $26M per year. It's replacing his previous contract of $7M annually. That is a huge amount, a huge bump up. Happy for him though, but it did make my head spin.

Will also put him under (good) pressure. That is top driver money.
lando will also take notice...he is currently at $35 mm/yr? he will be looking to bump to $45-50 esp if he wins WDC

[Seanspeed]

Reuters are reporting, via Racing News 365 that Oscar's new contract sees him earn nearly $26M per year. It's replacing his previous contract of $7M annually. That is a huge amount, a huge bump up. Happy for him though, but it did make my head spin.

Makes him one of the highest paid drivers in the sport, no?

Just a little surprised given that if Mclaren can maintain top status, they will have choice of drivers willing to go to them and dont need to spend a ton to lock down a solid 2nd seat driver.

[continuum16]

Reuters are reporting, via Racing News 365 that Oscar's new contract sees him earn nearly $26M per year. It's replacing his previous contract of $7M annually. That is a huge amount, a huge bump up. Happy for him though, but it did make my head spin.

Makes him one of the highest paid drivers in the sport, no?

Just a little surprised given that if Mclaren can maintain top status, they will have choice of drivers willing to go to them and dont need to spend a ton to lock down a solid 2nd seat driver.

Assuming the contract is written properly, I think this also gives McLaren a huge insurance policy/buyout if Oscar is pried away by another team. If Oscar were to match or beat Lando this year or next while making $7m, presumably the buyout from another team would have been a lot lower than it would be if he was making $25m+. It will deter Oscar from looking elsewhere and vice versa.

[search]

I think the FPs here will be more instructive than the actual race itself, given the weather forecast and expected chaos

maybe, but power modes can be very different this early in the season, as everyone is running their sunday engine already. Last year it resulted in all Mercedes cars getting way more power than others on Fridays.

[Macklaren]

I think the FPs here will be more instructive than the actual race itself, given the weather forecast and expected chaos

maybe, but power modes can be very different this early in the season, as everyone is running their sunday engine already. Last year it resulted in all Mercedes cars getting way more power than others on Fridays.

true but i think that will be clear in the data traces. but will be harder to hide pace during race and quali runs in FP compared to testing

[Mostlyeels]

Reuters are reporting, via Racing News 365 that Oscar's new contract sees him earn nearly $26M per year. It's replacing his previous contract of $7M annually. That is a huge amount, a huge bump up. Happy for him though, but it did make my head spin.

Makes it doubly-funny that he "forgot" to tell his mum about the contract renewal during their regular Sunday family lunch (which she ribbed him about on Twitter later on).

Very glad to see this driver pairing continue.

[FittingMechanics]

Reuters are reporting, via Racing News 365 that Oscar's new contract sees him earn nearly $26M per year. It's replacing his previous contract of $7M annually. That is a huge amount, a huge bump up. Happy for him though, but it did make my head spin.

I'm pretty sure there is no good source on that. Sounds like a rumor that started with someone speculating on driver salaries.

It's hard to believe that Piastri, after two seasons where he was beaten by Norris would get such a huge (top driver) contract.

[mwillems]

Agreed. He's sure earned a better deal than 6m per year, but not parity with Lando i don't think, who's badic is also reported to be 20m.

But, its fairly clear that with all the data these guys have, they believe in both these drivers.

It's good to remove uncertainty over the next few years where we hope to challenge. No fussing with outside influences on the drivers.

[Venturiation]

Agreed. He's sure earned a better deal than 6m per year, but not parity with Lando i don't think, who's badic is also reported to be 20m.

But, its fairly clear that with all the data these guys have, they believe in both these drivers.

It's good to remove uncertainty over the next few years where we hope to challenge. No fussing with outside influences on the drivers.

We don't know yet, piastri might match or beat Lando this year