McLaren has sent a clear message to its Formula 1 rivals: the Woking-based team is not resting on its laurels despite a dominant 2025 season. With a commanding lead in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, McLaren is poised to chase its first double championship since 1998. Team principal Andrea Stella, speaking to media including RacingNews365, emphasized that the team will continue developing its current car, the MCL39, even as the 2026 regulation overhaul looms. This bold strategy underscores McLaren’s determination to maintain its edge while preparing for the future, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle in the final races of 2025 and beyond.

The 2025 season has been a triumph for McLaren, with drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris securing seven victories in the first nine races, including a 1-2 finish at the Spanish Grand Prix. Piastri leads the Drivers’ Championship by 10 points over Norris, with Max Verstappen trailing by 49 points after a controversial penalty in Spain. McLaren’s 197-point lead over Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship reflects the team’s superior pace and tire management, which has consistently outshone competitors. Despite a recent technical directive on front wing flexibility—prompted by Red Bull and Ferrari’s concerns about McLaren’s aerodynamic advantage—the team’s performance remained unaffected, with Stella noting that upgrades tested in Imola ensured compliance without sacrificing speed.

Stella’s commitment to ongoing development is a strategic gamble. While the 2026 regulation changes, which will introduce new power units and chassis designs, demand significant resources, McLaren refuses to divert focus from its current dominance. “We are still definitely keeping interest and momentum on this year’s car,” Stella said, acknowledging the need for upgrades to address specific conditions, such as high-speed circuits where Red Bull remains competitive. This approach contrasts with teams like Red Bull, which has struggled to match McLaren’s pace and is already shifting attention to 2026, as evidenced by upcoming testing with drivers like Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson.

The risk of delaying 2026 development is not lost on McLaren. Stella revealed that work on next year’s car began in January 2025, with the team allocating resources “in the most logical and efficient way.” This dual focus aims to avoid the pitfall of falling behind in 2026, when new regulations could reshape the competitive order. McLaren’s experience in 2023, when a midseason development package transformed the MCL38 into a championship contender, informs this strategy. Valtteri Bottas, who tested the car in Spain, described its performance as “next level,” highlighting the foundation McLaren has built for sustained success.

The team’s drivers are central to this ambition. Piastri, dubbed “Ice Boy” for his clinical precision, has outshone Norris in recent races, securing pole and victory in Spain. Norris, however, remains a formidable contender, with his Monaco win narrowing Piastri’s lead to three points before Spain. Both drivers have emphasized fairness in their intra-team battle, with Piastri stating there’s no need for team orders, as both are committed to McLaren’s long-term goals. CEO Zak Brown has reinforced this ethos, prioritizing Constructors’ Championship success—worth significant financial rewards—over favoring one driver, even if it risks the Drivers’ title.

McLaren’s rivals are feeling the pressure. Verstappen, who described the title fight as “not really a fight” due to McLaren’s dominance, faces the threat of a race ban with one more penalty point. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, despite a podium in Spain, admitted McLaren’s pace is unmatched without “miraculous development.” Posts on X reflect fan excitement, with some calling McLaren’s strategy a “masterclass” in balancing present and future priorities. However, Stella remains cautious, noting that “we are not giving anything for granted.” As the season heads to the Canadian Grand Prix, McLaren’s upgrades and relentless focus signal a team unwilling to cede its advantage, even with 2026 on the horizon. With a championship pledge rooted in both ambition and pragmatism, McLaren is poised to redefine F1’s competitive landscape.