The tension in Formula 1 is now increasing Max Verstappen and Red Bull is being confronted with a growing challenge from McLaren. While Verstappen is preparing for the rest of the 2025 season, it seems that the young drivers of McLaren, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, attract more and more attention and get the chance to take over his crown. The recent announcement of McLaren that they will introduce a new floor for the weekend of the Grand Prix of Belgium has only increased the worries of Verstappen.
During the first free practice at Silverstone, McLaren tested the new floor and the team was satisfied with the results. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team boss, indicated that the new specification was performing well and that they intend to introduce this floor in the coming races. This is an important step for McLaren, especially now that they have already collected 460 points, more than double Ferrari, which is on 222 points. McLaren’s dominance is clear, and both Piastri and Norris have a lead of more than two full races on Verstappen in the championship for drivers.
Stella spoke with the media during the weekend of the British Grand Prix and emphasized the importance of the new floor. “With the new floor in FP1, the plan was always to use this floor as a test floor. We wanted an early assessment of this new specification, because the next race is a sprint event where it is more difficult to enter a new specification and make good comparisons,” said Stella. “We are actually quite satisfied with what we have seen in FP1. All instructions indicate that we will introduce this new floor at the upcoming events.”
The return from Formula 1 to the circuit for the Grand Prix of Belgium at Spa-Francorchamps promises to be exciting. After Belgium, the Hungarian Grand Prix follows and an extended summer vacation of four weeks before the Dutch Grand Prix is on the agenda. The pressure on Verstappen and Red Bull is increasing, especially now that McLaren seems to increase his technical lead.
Verstappen, who dominated the season so far, now has to reconsider his strategy. The rise of McLaren and the strong performance of Norris and Piastri can completely change the dynamics of the championship. The question is whether Verstappen will be able to defend his position or whether he will have to fight to keep his place in the top.
With the new floor of McLaren in prospect, it is clear that the team is determined to compete and strengthen their position in the championship. The upcoming races will be crucial for both McLaren and Verstappen, and the tension among the teams will only increase. Fans of Formula 1 can prepare for an exciting battle, where each race has the potential to change the ranking and determine the future of the championship.
Formula 1 is always a sport of speed, strategy and innovation, and with recent developments it seems that McLaren is taking the right steps to compete with the established order. While the teams are preparing for the following races, it is clear that the competition in Formula 1 is by no means over. The eyes of the world are aimed at Spa-Francorchamps, where the next round of this exciting battle will take place.
