Lewis Hamilton disqualification proves McLaren are...

Lewis Hamilton disqualification proves McLaren are…read more

The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix delivered plenty of action and intrigue, with McLaren emerging as one of the standout teams of the weekend. While the post-race headlines were dominated by the disqualification of Lewis Hamilton, the real story may have been McLaren’s continued rise as a genuine championship threat.

Held at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, the Grand Prix saw a series of twists and turns that shifted the dynamic of the current Formula 1 season. McLaren’s strong performance was impossible to ignore, as both of their drivers showcased exceptional pace and consistency across the weekend. Their strategic execution and car setup appeared to be among the best on the grid, further validating their steady improvement throughout the season.

While Hamilton’s disqualification for a technical infringement grabbed much of the media spotlight, it also indirectly served to highlight McLaren’s growing supremacy. The Mercedes-turned-Ferrari driver had initially looked competitive, and his recent win in the Chinese Grand Prix had given Ferrari hope that they had turned a corner. In Shanghai, Hamilton had claimed pole position in the sprint race and converted that momentum into his first Grand Prix win with the Italian team, signaling a potential resurgence.

However, Ferrari’s inability to build on that success in Austria has once again raised concerns. Despite showing flashes of competitiveness earlier in the season, Ferrari’s inconsistency, particularly in race pace and tire management, remains a critical vulnerability. While Hamilton has delivered some standout individual performances, the team as a whole continues to struggle with strategy calls and maximizing their package across a full race weekend.

By contrast, McLaren appears to be operating with remarkable cohesion. Their recent run of form has included podium finishes, strong qualifying sessions, and clever race-day tactics. The car’s aerodynamic balance and tire wear have proven to be among the most reliable in the field, allowing the drivers to attack aggressively and maintain pace throughout long stints.

This momentum has sparked fresh conversations in the paddock about McLaren’s championship ambitions. Once considered outsiders, they now find themselves squarely in the mix with Red Bull and Mercedes. Their resurgence is the result of a focused development path, a well-structured driver pairing, and an organizational culture that emphasizes steady progress over headline-grabbing moves.

Meanwhile, Red Bull, the reigning champions, have faced unexpected challenges this season. Although still competitive, their dominance has been chipped away by both McLaren and, to a lesser extent, Ferrari. The gap that once separated Red Bull from the rest of the field has narrowed, making the 2025 season one of the most competitive in recent memory.

For Hamilton and Ferrari, the disqualification in Austria is more than just a one-off disappointment—it reflects a broader issue of reliability and attention to detail that the team must address if they hope to compete at the highest level. Though Hamilton’s talent is unquestioned, he needs a more robust platform to translate his skill into consistent results.

In contrast, McLaren’s weekend in Austria was another step forward in their quest to return to the top of the sport. Their ability to capitalize on the mistakes of rivals and extract maximum performance from their car is increasingly evident. If current trends continue, it’s not unrealistic to envision McLaren fighting for both Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles by the end of the year.

As the F1 circus moves on from Spielberg, one thing is becoming clearer: McLaren is no longer a team in transition. They are now firmly a frontrunner, capable of challenging—and beating—the sport’s traditional powerhouses. Their performance in Austria, against a backdrop of controversy and competition, underscores just how far they’ve come—and how serious their threat has become.