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Defending the constructors' championship has proven to be an uphill battle for McLaren this Formula 1 season. Team CEO Zak Brown labeled the current World Championship campaign a "tricky season" after the team lost ground under the sport's new technical regulations following two consecutive title triumphs.
As things stand, the Woking-based outfit trails championship leaders Mercedes by 239 points and second-placed Ferrari by 105. McLaren also faces the threat of losing third place, with a resurgent Red Bull breathing down their necks just seven points behind.
McLaren have secured just two race victories this season, both claimed by Lando Norris in Hungary and at Zandvoort on either side of the summer break. By comparison, Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has dominated the drivers' championship battle with eight wins to his name.
The MCL40's struggles stem from fundamental limitations in grip and chassis dynamics that cannot be resolved solely through added aerodynamic downforce. As a result, McLaren has opted to develop a completely revamped chassis concept for 2027, rather than retaining its current monocoque architecture as several rivals are expected to do.
Team principal Andrea Stella has already confirmed that developmental focus has shifted toward next season. Key obstacles hindering their competitiveness against factory teams remain a straight-line speed deficit caused by aerodynamic drag, gear ratios, and power unit parameters.
When asked to evaluate the team's performance, Zak Brown was candid about their dip in form:
"It's been a tough season for us. We've made great progress and learned a lot of lessons; we are moving forward. Back in Australia, everyone expected Mercedes to win all 24 races. They're having an incredible season, and I'd be very surprised if they don't take the title. But knowing the paddock's mentality, no racing team ever gives up beforehand. Nothing is decided until it's over. We've already had four different race-winning teams. Formula 1 is incredibly tight again. Alpine took pole position, and looking at the lap times—whether it's Racing Bulls or Alpine—nobody is far off the pace. The margins are getting smaller and smaller."
Six races remain on the calendar, a number that could drop to five if a race at Imola replaces the rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Brown emphasized that McLaren need a strong finish to build momentum for the upcoming campaign.
"It has been a difficult year, full of learning curves. However, I want us to finish on a high note so we enter the 2027 season ready to fight for the title," the McLaren chief concluded.
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