McLaren heads into next weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a chance of clinching Formula 1’s 2025 Constructors’ Championship in record-breaking fashion.
After a dominant campaign, the team’s cushion over its rivals is so vast that only a mathematical miracle could deny it a 10th title in its nearly six-decade history.
Team papaya has been the class of the field this season, racking up 12 victories and 27 podiums in the first 16 rounds. That dominance has put McLaren on 617 points, a staggering 337 ahead of Ferrari, with Mercedes on 260 and Red Bull trailing further back on 239.
Historic Record in Sight
What makes the situation historic is the timing. Should McLaren seal the crown in Baku, it would do so with seven races remaining – the earliest championship win in F1 history by number of races left. The current record belongs to Red Bull, who wrapped up the 2023 title with six rounds to go.
With 389 points still available this season, McLaren needs only to outscore Ferrari by nine points in Baku. Achieve that, and its lead becomes unassailable.
©McLaren
Mercedes and Red Bull are still alive in the title race on paper, but their task is monumental. Mercedes would need to outscore McLaren by 12 points next weekend, and Red Bull by 33, just to keep the fight alive.
Even then, each would require a flawless run of 1-2 finishes across the remaining rounds, a widely unrealistic scenario.
Norris and Piastri Deliver
Unlike some past eras of dominance, McLaren’s charge has been fueled by strength in depth. Oscar Piastri sits at the top of the Drivers’ standings with 324 points – or 31 points clear of runner-up and teammate Lando Norris.
The pair’s combined forced, coupled with McLaren’s engineering excellence, has left the competition with little chance to respond.
©McLaren
If the team does close out the title in Baku, it will underline one of the most emphatic displays of power the sport has seen, not only under today’s 24-race marathon calendar but across F1 history.
For McLaren, the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t just in sight – it’s blinding.
Read also: Piastri rejects ruthless path to glory as ‘team’s integrity’ comes first
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