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Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Formula 1: What has gone right for McLaren as they head to Belgian GP on top of drivers' and constructors' races?
By Amrit Prakash The 2025 season has come up like a reward for long years of sweat and toil for McLaren. Ahead of the Belgian GP this weekend, the McLaren team is leading both the drivers' and constructors' standings. With both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the top and both commanding over a 60-point lead over the dominant champion Max Verstappen, McLaren is starting to dream about its first champion since they had the modern-day great Lewis Hamilton in their stables in 2008. With a commanding lead of over 200 points over Ferrari, which is placed a distant second in the constructors chart, McLaren looks well within reach to repeat the 2024 constructor's title win, which it won after a long two decades in 1998 when Mika Hakkinen successfully won the championship with active support from David Coulthard. McLaren's dream run of 2025 isn't due to luck or a single innovation. It's the result of an amalgamation of a sweeping technical overhaul supported by strong leadership and trust in the sustained efforts of various team members. As former team owner Ron Dennis once said, 'You don't expect to be at the top of the mountain the day you start climbing.' The team has been charting its way back to the top gradually since the fall from the top in the 2013 season. Andrea Stella, who took over from Andreas Seidl as team principal in the 2023 season, has been with McLaren since 2015, prior to which he had worked with Ferrari and F1 legend Michael Schumacher. He has overhauled the team by bringing in Rob Marshall, ex-Red Bull honcho, who revamped the car architecture. Peter Prodromou, the veteran aerodynamicist, made improvements in the chassis and aerodynamics of the car. This gave the winning combination of the MCL39 car of 2025 with active support from the pool of young talent. 'It's not about shortcuts. It's about culture, science, and belief,' Stella once said. The belief is visible in the MCL39 car. There have been changes in the chassis design with reoriented suspension. Front and rear suspension redesign has also helped the MCL39 reduce wearing down of tires and helped stabilised the aerodynamic platform. Rob Marshall's architectural innovations have overhauled the diffuser and the cooling package of the car. Work was also done on the thermal management of the car with improvement on the airflow in the sidepods and engine cover. The McLaren team has also introduced advanced use of telemetry with AWS and Splunk, providing them with real-time simulation for tire prediction and aero modelling. Behind the wheel, UK-born Lando Norris has been McLaren's consistent driver for the last seven years, while the Australian Piastri has been with the team since 2023 when he replaced fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo. Both Norris and Piastri are technical, adaptable, and collaborative, which was absent in previous pairings of MCL39 initially suited Piastri's braking style, but Norris adapted to it by tweaking his technique, contributing to a stronger mid-season surge in performance. What's also important is that Piastri and Norris don't just coexist—they push each other to their limits, giving McLaren its desired results. With nine constructors' titles, McLaren is only behind Ferrari in the all-time list, making it one of the most consistent teams. But the last decades have just seen the downfall of this glorious team. After Mika Häkkinen's retirement in 2001, McLaren struggled to maintain title-contending form with the Mercedes chassis issue of 2004. Then came the 2007 Stepneygate Scandal, where McLaren was fined $100 million for possessing Ferrari technical data, and banned from the championship race. 2008 gave them a winner in Hamilton, but they lost to Ferrari in the Constructors race. Their real downfall started when the new chassis policy in the Mercedes engine was adopted, which resulted in the disastrous season of 2013-14. But things turned worse from there, with the Honda Gp2 engine also facing public criticism from the drivers. The seasons of 2015-17 gave McLaren its worst finish since its origin. With another transition to Renault for three years, McLaren again returned to Mercedes in 2021 which has laid the foundation for the team to regain its long-lost glory. McLaren is one of those teams that has supported raw talent, be it in the case of 1976 champion James Hunt or Niki Lauda, who later won with McLaren in 1984. Hamilton, who won the 2008 F1 title, was also a raw talent. Jenson Button, who won the F1 title with Brawn, was a McLaren find too. Same is the case of current drivers, Piastri and Norris, who helped McLaren win the 2024 constructors title, the first since 1998. After the British Grand Prix 2025, the point difference between Piastri and Norris is eight points, and the intra-team rivalry is starting to emerge. Will this lead to a split between the winning pair, like we have seen throughout the history of McLaren in famous rivalries between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna or the British pair of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton? The performance of Norris and Piastri is getting compared with three-time Champion Senna and four-time champion Prost, who dominated the F1 for the decade with the McLaren team. With 12 races to go in the season, it is for these drivers to prove that they are worthy of this comparison.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How Lewis Hamilton is shaping Ferrari's 2026 F1 car
Having passed the halfway point of the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, focus is fixed upon preparations for next season and the regulations overhaul – with Lewis Hamilton wanting to give his 'DNA' to the next Ferrari car. But what exactly is he looking for? The gap between the British Grand Prix and Belgian GP provides an ideal moment to take stock of both present and future, especially with one of the biggest technical revolutions in the championship's history on the horizon. These two dimensions inevitably intertwine: the present and future may seem far apart, but they're connected by a common thread of continuity, experience and development. Advertisement At Ferrari, this connection manifests in the need to turn around a season that has so far fallen short of expectations, with the awareness that the work done today and in the coming months will lay the groundwork for the 2026 car. Development is not yet in an advanced stage, but it is at a crucial point where basic design choices are being defined. As with any new venture, the F1 2026 preparations show that now is a time not only to improve the short term but also to begin leaving a mark on the future, both technically and in terms of work methods. Each driver brings a wealth of experience that can be a valuable resource, especially when coming from a team that has remained at the top for years. Ironing out inconsistencies from current Ferrari car Hamilton's 2025 season has been inconsistent so far, partly due to a lack of connection with the car. And it's from these limitations - both technical and in terms of feeling - that the seven-time world champion is trying to shape his contribution to the 2026 Ferrari, openly expressing a desire to infuse the project with his own 'DNA'. Advertisement Some issues stem from structural features of the car that must be assessed to find performance. Others are more tied to details that surface during adaptation to a new environment. It's a common process, as seen with Carlos Sainz at Williams and Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber, who had requested changes to the power steering and throttle. Ferrari SF-24 steering wheel Ferrari SF-24 steering wheel Power steering is one of the aspects Hamilton has focused on since his first outings with Ferrari. Beyond what emerged after Silverstone - which may be linked to the need to redesign the steering system following a suspension layout change – the Briton has asked for targeted adjustments based on personal needs and adaptation challenges that only become evident through on-track work. Advertisement It's important to distinguish between structural problems affecting both drivers and subjective needs related to individual feeling. Steering set-up, in particular, is highly personal: every driver has preferences that tend to become clear especially when changing teams and experiencing different lateral forces on track. Read Also: How Ferrari is helping Hamilton settle with Mercedes-inspired steering wheel software These details add to the inherent challenges of the SF-25, a car often difficult to balance. That's why Charles Leclerc has leaned towards extreme set-up solutions, especially in how he exploits the front end and compensates at the rear. Hamilton has tried various directions to adapt, some more effective than others, and has begun aligning more closely with the Monegasque's choices. Advertisement 'Charles and the team found a way to make the car work. I tried all the other directions that should theoretically work, but for some reason they didn't. So gradually I've gotten closer and closer to how Charles sets up the car,' said Hamilton. 'Last week [in Austria] was when I got the closest, and our race pace was also the most similar. But it's still difficult. It's a tricky balance, and the driving isn't comfortable.' Nonetheless, these adjustments have improved his qualifying speed, reducing the gap to his team-mate, while race pace still suffers, particularly as tyre grip drops. Some issues can't be solved with set-up alone, like the feeling in fast corners, which is an area Hamilton has struggled with all season. It's an instability that must be managed, especially in tight high-speed corners where trust and steering precision are critical. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Unsurprisingly, Hamilton has highlighted stability as an area needing improvement, now and in the future. Advertisement 'Charles has been working with a car that's a bit more oversteery, and that approach has worked well,' said Ferrari deputy team principal Jerome d'Ambrosio. "Recently, Lewis has moved in that direction and is making it work. I think it's a result of the current regulations. We're seeing instability at corner entry. These cars are nervous, and drivers have to partly learn to live with that." There are specific technical issues limiting Leclerc as well, such as front-end struggles in slow corners. The longer and more flowing the corner, the more the SF-25 tends to understeer at the front. In sharper corners, some of these issues are masked, as seen in Austria. This makes it difficult to find a balanced compromise. Finding a bigger operating window Some aspects can be improved in the short term, but others require time – especially with 2026 in mind. The goal is not necessarily to go in one specific direction but to have more operational flexibility. For instance, since the beginning of the year, Hamilton has pointed out problems with the brakes and engine braking, which he finds too aggressive. At Mercedes, those elements were smoother – a difference not easily fixed via steering wheel settings, especially for a driver who likes to trail brake into corners. Advertisement In developing a new car, engineers always seek performance through design to meet set goals for downforce and drag. That's why cars are not built around a specific driver. Instead, the driver's input helps identify areas where more flexibility is needed – broad themes that become guidance based on experience. This is where Hamilton is trying to give the 2026 Ferrari his 'DNA', not just technically but also in terms of working methods. Considering the packed calendar, factory drivers often test the following year's car in the simulator relatively late, unless there's a major regulation change. In such cases, feedback arrives earlier, but mostly at a conceptual level. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 'We listen to the drivers' input. Not just one driver, both. It's actually interesting, because during factory meetings, it often turns out the drivers arrive at very similar requests, conceptually, about what they need from the car,' said d'Ambrosio at Silverstone. Advertisement 'We try to take that into account. Of course, part of development is simply about bringing a package that maximises downforce and performance. But there's also a lot that can be done to give the drivers the right tools and conditions to work, and to make sure they can adapt the car as much as possible to their driving style. 'There are two phases, and I don't think they're entirely separate. Generally, there are overall balances in the car that generate performance. Then there's a second phase involving the details – a phase where you absolutely must listen to the drivers.' To read more articles visit our website.
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Christian Horner replacement sends message to Red Bull staff on first day
Red Bull announced the bombshell news of Christian Horner's exit from the team earlier this week with his replacement Laurent Mekies already addressing staff since being promoted Laurent Mekies has left Red Bull staff in no doubt that he is up for the challenge after replacing Christian Horner as boss. The reigning F1 constructor champions announced the bombshell news that their long-serving CEO would be leaving with immediate effect earlier this week. It was confirmed that he had been dismissed just days after the British GP. Red Bull then announced his replacement as former Racing Bulls Team Principal Mekies. And the Frenchman got the opportunity to address Red Bull staff at Silverstone as part of a pre-arranged filming day with the RB21. Speaking in a speech, Mekies said: 'I look at this team as most outside look at them, we see the very best people in the world at what they do,' Mekies said during that first outing with the team. 'That's what this team is, even from being a competitor previously you look at Red Bull Racing as being the sharpest team, having managed to accumulate the best talent to work together. 'It is a privilege to join the team, and the focus will be on making sure all the talented people here have what they need to perform at their best, because they are already the very best. 'We will be focussing on that and making sure the Red Bull energy is flowing through the team. We are not underestimating the challenge ahead; we will need everybody and we will go about it together, and I am sure with everyone's contributions we will tackle this challenge.' Mekies' address to Red Bull staff came amid a similar message from the outgoing Horner who expressed his shock at his axe in an emotional speech. He said: "Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally I would no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward. I will still remain employed by the company, but, operationally the baton will be handed over. "It came as a shock to myself. I've had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news and to express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the last 20-and-a-half years. Will Red Bull suffer from Horner's depature? "When I arrived 20 years ago, there were a few less grey hairs. I walked into a team and did not know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed and we started to build what became a powerhouse in F1. Watching and being part of this team, has been the biggest privilege of my life." Mekies' debut as Red Bull CEO will come at the Belgian GP later this month.
San Francisco Chronicle
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
Mekies brings vast experience as he takes over F1 team Red Bull after Horner's sacking
MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) — Red Bull's Formula 1 team is changing team directors for the first time since it was founded 20 years ago, after Christian Horner's sacking sent shockwaves through the sport on Wednesday. But his replacement Laurent Mekies could be the calm presence the team needs amid what promises to be an intense period of scrutiny. Mekies, who had been head of sister team Racing Bulls, brings vast experience to the role after he was hired to replace Horner as chief executive of Red Bull's F1 team. The timing of Horner's firing at least gives him a little bit of time to prepare, as he takes charge of his first race at the Belgian GP on July 27. What are his credentials? The 48-year-old Frenchman has been in F1 since the early 2000s. He worked as a race engineer with the Minardi team — which featured future Red Bull driver Mark Webber — and was among the Minardi staff who stayed when Red Bull took over and created the Toro Rosso team in 2005. He brings vast experience, and F1 knowledge from both working inside teams and inside the institution of motor sport's governing body, FIA. After leaving Toro Rosso in 2014, Mekies had a stint as the FIA's safety director during a crucial time as F1 made the 'halo' protective device mandatory on cars, following the death of French F1 driver Jules Bianchi and British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson in 2015. Ferrari role Mekies returned to a team role in 2018, joining Italian F1 giant Ferrari as its sporting director, working alongside then-team principal Mattia Binotto. He was promoted to race director, and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc once doused him with Champagne after winning the 2022 Austrian GP. But erratic decision-making and botched pit stops by the team during races undermined Ferrari's bid to challenge at the top. Mekies left Ferrari halfway during the 2023 season, following Binotto's departure at the end of 2022. Racing Bulls Mekies became team principal of the Racing Bulls team at the start of 2024. When Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to the Red Bull team after just two rounds this season, Mekies said he was 'incredibly proud' of Tsunoda's progress. This season he also worked with rookie French driver Isack Hadjar, who has impressed in spells, and Liam Lawson after he was demoted from Red Bull to make way for Tsunoda. Mekies will be replaced by Alan Permane at Racing Bulls, formerly the racing director. 'The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team,' Mekies said. "The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path.' Challenges ahead Looking further ahead, Mekies has much work to do at Red Bull with new technical regulations on cars coming up in 2026. 'The challenge is huge, probably the biggest for the teams,' he said recently. 'I'm sure the teams will need the drivers to help them develop in the right direction (and) help them grasp these regulations.' ___
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mekies brings vast experience as he takes over F1 team Red Bull after Horner's sacking
FILE - Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies attends a press conference ahead of the French Formula One Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard racetrack in Le Castellet, southern France, Friday, June 18, 2021. (Nicolas Tucat/Pool via AP, File) FILE -RB team principal Laurent Mekies is interviewed on the grid before the Sprint race at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) FILE -RB team principal Laurent Mekies is interviewed on the grid before the Sprint race at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) FILE - Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies attends a press conference ahead of the French Formula One Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard racetrack in Le Castellet, southern France, Friday, June 18, 2021. (Nicolas Tucat/Pool via AP, File) FILE -RB team principal Laurent Mekies is interviewed on the grid before the Sprint race at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) — Red Bull's Formula 1 team is changing team directors for the first time since it was founded 20 years ago, after Christian Horner's sacking sent shockwaves through the sport on Wednesday. But his replacement Laurent Mekies could be the calm presence the team needs amid what promises to be an intense period of scrutiny. Mekies, who had been head of sister team Racing Bulls, brings vast experience to the role after he was hired to replace Horner as chief executive of Red Bull's F1 team. Advertisement The timing of Horner's firing at least gives him a little bit of time to prepare, as he takes charge of his first race at the Belgian GP on July 27. Here are some things to know about Mekies: What are his credentials? The 48-year-old Frenchman has been in F1 since the early 2000s. He worked as a race engineer with the Minardi team — which featured future Red Bull driver Mark Webber — and was among the Minardi staff who stayed when Red Bull took over and created the Toro Rosso team in 2005. He brings vast experience, and F1 knowledge from both working inside teams and inside the institution of motor sport's governing body, FIA. Advertisement After leaving Toro Rosso in 2014, Mekies had a stint as the FIA's safety director during a crucial time as F1 made the 'halo' protective device mandatory on cars, following the death of French F1 driver Jules Bianchi and British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson in 2015. Ferrari role Mekies returned to a team role in 2018, joining Italian F1 giant Ferrari as its sporting director, working alongside then-team principal Mattia Binotto. He was promoted to race director, and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc once doused him with Champagne after winning the 2022 Austrian GP. But erratic decision-making and botched pit stops by the team during races undermined Ferrari's bid to challenge at the top. Advertisement Mekies left Ferrari halfway during the 2023 season, following Binotto's departure at the end of 2022. Racing Bulls Mekies became team principal of the Racing Bulls team at the start of 2024. When Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to the Red Bull team after just two rounds this season, Mekies said he was 'incredibly proud' of Tsunoda's progress. This season he also worked with rookie French driver Isack Hadjar, who has impressed in spells, and Liam Lawson after he was demoted from Red Bull to make way for Tsunoda. Mekies will be replaced by Alan Permane at Racing Bulls, formerly the racing director. Advertisement 'The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team,' Mekies said. "The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path.' Challenges ahead Looking further ahead, Mekies has much work to do at Red Bull with new technical regulations on cars coming up in 2026. 'The challenge is huge, probably the biggest for the teams,' he said recently. 'I'm sure the teams will need the drivers to help them develop in the right direction (and) help them grasp these regulations.' ___ AP auto racing:
