'McLaren backed to make massive turnaround amid clear Stella statement'

The reigning Constructors’ champions began the season far from ideal form. Oscar Piastri recorded two DNS (Did Not Start) finishes, while team-mate Lando Norris also failed to start the race in China. However, McLaren showed signs of recovery at the Japanese Grand Prix, where Piastri secured a second-place finish, and Norris came home fifth, signalling a return to competitiveness.

That upturn has been reinforced by team principal Andrea Stella, who struck a defiant tone when assessing the title race. “The championship is not written off. We have only done three races. In these three races, there was a team more ready, more advanced than the others, Mercedes. Ferrari has done a good job, I would say, trying to be competitive, at times fighting for victory. The championship is not written off; we are very determined to make sure that we can be part of the game again, to win. There are no limits. Maybe another 2024 is possible,” he said.

Currently, McLaren lie third in the Constructors’ standings with 46 points, 44 behind Ferrari, who are in second place, and 89 adrift of first-placed Mercedes. In 2024, the McLaren team were able to overcome a similar points deficit to clinch the Constructors’ Championship ahead of Red Bull Racing, who had led for much of the season.

While opinion among readers remains divided, a section of fans have backed McLaren – and Norris in particular – to mount a serious title challenge this year.

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