BREAKING: McLaren problem ready to hit Formula 1 after Max Verstappen exposure… Read more
McLaren problem ready to hit Formula 1 after Max Verstappen exposure
McLaren’s promising Formula 1 resurgence took a significant blow at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, and now the sport faces an intriguing dilemma following Max Verstappen’s performance in Imola — a problem that may not be easily solved.
Here’s the crux of the issue: McLaren arguably have the most complete car on the grid. Their challenger is consistently fast, with no glaring weaknesses, making them contenders at nearly every race this season. Team principal Andrea Stella is widely respected, and with two sharp drivers in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren appear poised to mount serious campaigns for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. On paper, they seem to have everything going in their favor.
But what they don’t have is Max Verstappen. And that, more than anything, is proving costly.
Despite Red Bull no longer enjoying the dominant advantage it had in previous years, Verstappen’s talent continues to shine. His victory at Imola — his second of the season — was a reminder of his unique ability to extract every ounce of performance from a car that is no longer the class of the field. As seen earlier in Japan, even when the odds aren’t in his favor, Verstappen finds a way to win. In contrast, McLaren often have the stronger platform, but falter at crucial moments, allowing Verstappen to steal the spotlight — much like a seagull swooping in to snatch an unattended snack.
This scenario exposes two core issues. First, McLaren’s inability to consistently convert opportunities into wins leaves the door open for Verstappen to keep racking up victories. Second, and more broadly for Formula 1, there’s a concern about storytelling — an essential element in keeping casual fans engaged.
McLaren, once an iconic protagonist or antagonist in the sport’s golden eras, no longer carries the same narrative weight. Gone are the days of Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Raikkonen, and Lewis Hamilton delivering headline-grabbing moments in a McLaren suit. After a rough patch throughout the 2010s, including a turbulent partnership with Honda, the team’s relevance in the wider F1 narrative has faded.
Unlike Red Bull or Ferrari, McLaren currently lacks the emotional pull or dramatic arc that draws in casual viewers. They have the ingredients — a strong car, talented drivers, and smart leadership — but they’re missing the X-factor that transforms good results into must-watch stories.
Formula 1 thrives on drama and personal rivalries as much as technical brilliance. While Verstappen brings the drama through his dominance, McLaren must find their own compelling story to stay relevant. Without that, they risk being overlooked — not just by Verstappen on track, but by fans seeking the passion and unpredictability that make F1 more than just a race.
