McLaren’s “Extreme” MCL39 Set to Challenge Hamilton’s..read more

Asf supremacy is expected to be fiercer than ever. After a season-long fight that saw McLaren emerge as the World Constructors’ Champion, team boss Andrea Stella has issued a bold statement: McLaren is ready to make life “difficult” for their rivals—including seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who is making his highly anticipated move to Ferrari.

The 2024 season was one of the most competitive in recent history. While Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched yet another World Drivers’ Championship (WDC), McLaren made significant strides throughout the year. An aggressive mid-season upgrade package transformed them into legitimate title contenders, allowing them to not only challenge but ultimately surpass their competitors in the Constructors’ battle.

McLaren’s resurgence saw Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri deliver consistently strong performances, with multiple race wins adding to their momentum. Despite a fierce challenge from a revitalized Ferrari squad, McLaren managed to seal the championship by just 14 points—a testament to their rapid development and ability to extract every ounce of performance from their MCL38.

Now, heading into 2025, McLaren is looking to double down on that success. But the spotlight isn’t just on them—one of the biggest stories of the upcoming season is Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move from Mercedes to Ferrari. The seven-time champion’s switch to the Scuderia marks a new chapter in his storied career, one that has already sent shockwaves through the paddock.

McLaren, however, is undeterred. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Andrea Stella expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge, recognizing the historical significance of Hamilton joining Ferrari.

“To be honest, as a fan of Formula 1, by having been 15 years at Ferrari before, I felt excited myself to see something that is historic for Formula 1: a seven-time World Champion going to Ferrari, one of the most iconic teams,” Stella said.

While Stella acknowledged the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello, he was quick to emphasize that McLaren’s focus remains on the track. “Ultimately, I’m sure they know very well that what counts is what’s happening on track. So after the initial excitement, I’m sure they will focus on making sure that the preparation is good.”

But McLaren won’t be making life easy for their rivals. In fact, Stella made it clear that his team is determined to make things “difficult” for Ferrari and every other competitor on the grid.

One key element of McLaren’s 2025 campaign is their upcoming car, the MCL39, which is reportedly taking a bold and radical approach to its design. According to Italian publication Gazzetta, the Woking-based team has chosen a “very extreme” philosophy for their 2025 challenger.

While details remain scarce, speculation suggests that McLaren has identified areas where the current regulations overlap with the incoming 2026 rule changes. By legally exploiting these grey areas, McLaren aims to gain a competitive edge—potentially giving them a head start before the major regulatory overhaul arrives.

This strategy could prove decisive in what is expected to be an incredibly tight battle at the top. Ferrari, bolstered by Hamilton’s arrival and their own aggressive development program, will be eager to mount a serious title challenge. Red Bull, despite their dominance in recent years, cannot afford to rest on their laurels. And with Mercedes also seeking redemption after a lackluster 2024, the stage is set for an electrifying season.

McLaren’s willingness to push the limits of design innovation signals their intent to remain a force to be reckoned with. Lando Norris, who came tantalizingly close to challenging Verstappen in 2024, will be looking to take the next step and fight for his maiden title. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri’s rapid rise means he will also be a crucial asset in McLaren’s championship aspirations.

As Formula 1 enters a new era, the battle lines are already being drawn. McLaren, armed with their ambitious MCL39 and a relentless drive to defend their crown, are ready to take on Ferrari, Red Bull, and the rest of the grid. And with Lewis Hamilton looking to add yet another title to his legendary career, 2025 is shaping up to be a season for the ages.