As the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, all eyes are on Max Verstappen and his fight for the championship with the RB21. Following an impressive victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen closed the gap to Lando Norris to just a single point, showcasing his exceptional driving talent. However, according to McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella, sustaining this level of performance throughout the season will be extremely difficult unless Red Bull makes significant progress with their car.
Stella acknowledged that Verstappen is currently creating the performance gap "entirely through his own effort" rather than relying on the machinery at his disposal. He emphasized that without meaningful upgrades to the RB21, it will be a major challenge for the Dutch driver to maintain his form across the entire 24-race calendar.
Meanwhile, McLaren faced criticism after both of its drivers underperformed in qualifying and the team’s race strategy was considered overly cautious in Japan. Despite this, McLaren remains a strong favorite in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships according to the general perception in the paddock.
“The key to fighting for both titles is having the best car on the grid,” Stella stated. “If you're not in a position to win, you must at least be consistently finishing on the podium. Over time, such steady performances are rewarded.”
Stella concluded that although Verstappen's win in Japan was outstanding, without a clear step forward from Red Bull, it will be very difficult for him to maintain that level of performance throughout a demanding and competitive season. As the year progresses, it will become increasingly clear that car development is just as crucial as driver skill.