F1 NEWS: Ex-F1 Team Boss WARNS McLaren: ‘No Room for…read more
Ex-F1 Team Boss WARNS McLaren: ‘No Room for ERROR’
McLaren has established itself as the team to beat in the early stages of the 2025 Formula 1 season, securing consecutive victories in Australia and China. However, former Haas team principal Günther Steiner has warned that the team must remain flawless to keep its edge over fierce competition.
McLaren’s Impressive Start
The McLaren MCL39 has proven to be a formidable contender, with Lando Norris leading the drivers’ standings ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. While Norris has acknowledged that the car can be challenging to handle, its raw speed has positioned McLaren at the front of the pack.
Despite their strong performances, Steiner stressed the importance of precision. Speaking on the Red Flags Podcast, he remarked, “I wouldn’t say McLaren is untouchable. It’s not as easy as it looks. The sprint race showed that if they’re not perfect, they lose. McLaren can’t afford mistakes because there’s always another team ready to capitalize.”
This was evident during the Chinese Grand Prix sprint, where McLaren struggled behind race winner Lewis Hamilton. While Oscar Piastri managed to secure second place with a late overtake, Norris finished in eighth, falling short of expectations.
Steiner also highlighted Oscar Piastri’s progress, particularly after his dominant performance in Shanghai, where he led McLaren to a one-two finish. The Australian rebounded strongly after missing out on a podium in Australia due to an error in wet conditions.
“He was the stronger driver all weekend. If I had to bet on the world champion right now, I’d put my money on Oscar Piastri,” Steiner stated. “He looked confident after qualifying. He’s hungry for more and truly enjoying the fight.”
Although McLaren has set the pace early on, Steiner pointed out that Ferrari and Mercedes remain serious threats. George Russell has delivered consistent podium finishes for Mercedes, keeping himself in contention. Meanwhile, Red Bull has struggled with an unpredictable car, preventing them from matching their past dominance.
As the Japanese Grand Prix approaches, McLaren will aim to build on its lead, but as Steiner warns, any slip-ups could open the door for their rivals. The battle for the 2025 championship is just heating up.
