McLaren denies Verstappen win in Japan was a wake-up call

Team boss Andrea Stella says McLaren remains fully alert in F1 title battle with Max Verstappen.

Andrea Stella, team principal of McLaren, speaks at the Team Principals' Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on April 11, 2025, in Bahrain. Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In the wake of Max Verstappen’s dominant victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, McLaren denies Verstappen win in Japan was a wake-up call, firmly asserting that the team has been wide awake and acutely aware of the fierce competition in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Speaking ahead of this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella addressed recent media speculation that Verstappen's performance was a sudden shock to McLaren’s system.

“We didn't need any wake-up call, because we were not sleeping,” Stella said candidly at a press conference at the Bahrain International Circuit on Friday. “And certainly, we were not dreaming.”

His remarks reflect a team operating at full alert, one that has already delivered strong results early in the season and is locked in a closely contested title battle.

McLaren fights back against narrative of complacency

After a stellar start to the season, with Lando Norris winning in Melbourne and Oscar Piastri taking victory in China, McLaren momentarily ceded momentum when Verstappen surged back in Suzuka. But according to Stella, the notion that McLaren had lost its edge or was caught off guard is far from reality.

“We were wide awake knowing that if we don't capitalise on the performance of the car, then we will be beaten,” he explained. “And if we do capitalise, we may win — but by a very small margin.”

This humble yet confident stance highlights McLaren’s current mindset: every second, every decision, and every lap counts.

Tight standings raise pressure early in the season

Verstappen’s victory at the Japanese Grand Prix — built on one of the most commanding qualifying sessions of his career — put him just a single point behind Norris in the drivers' standings. With three different race winners in the opening three rounds of the season, 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for Formula 1.

McLaren currently enjoys a narrow lead in the constructors' championship, but Red Bull remains a dangerous adversary. Stella's refusal to label Japan as a turning point suggests that McLaren sees the season as a long, high-pressure campaign in which consistency and focus are critical.

Lando Norris remains calm under pressure

As the team’s leading driver, Lando Norris finds himself in the unfamiliar position of title favourite. Despite Verstappen’s aggressive return to form, Norris has shown maturity and resilience throughout the opening rounds. Stella and the rest of the team continue to back him to maintain that composure.

“We knew this season would be tough. Max is one of the best in the sport’s history. But we believe in our drivers, and we believe in our car,” Stella said.

The margin of error is small, and Norris knows that his position at the top of the standings is not secure. With Bahrain’s unpredictable desert winds and tire degradation always in play, every race becomes a test of strategy and execution.

McLaren’s evolution from challenger to title contender

McLaren’s transformation over the past few years has been remarkable. From mid-pack struggles to title contention, the team has steadily climbed its way back into the sport’s elite tier. Under Andrea Stella’s leadership, McLaren has combined innovation, reliability, and top-tier talent to compete with the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes.

Last season’s constructors' championship was a watershed moment, and Stella is determined to ensure it was no fluke.

“Winning a title doesn’t guarantee anything for the next year. The sport moves fast. Our rivals don’t sleep. And neither do we,” he stated firmly.

Verstappen's challenge is far from over

While Verstappen’s win in Japan reminded everyone of his incredible skill, it’s clear that the 2025 season won’t be a repeat of his previous dominance. With McLaren pushing hard, and both Ferrari and Mercedes improving, the path to a fifth consecutive world title is anything but straightforward.

Verstappen himself acknowledged after the race that McLaren remains a real threat.

“They’re quick,” he said of the British team. “This season, it’s going to be about who makes fewer mistakes.”

That kind of pressure makes mental sharpness essential — something both McLaren and Verstappen seem to possess in abundance.

What’s next in Bahrain?

As the paddock moves to Bahrain, the fourth round of the season offers yet another chance for the title fight to swing. McLaren will be looking to bounce back immediately, hoping to reclaim the top step of the podium. The circuit’s mix of long straights and technical corners will put both driver skill and car balance to the test.

Andrea Stella has made it clear that McLaren is not relying on past success.

“Our approach is the same every weekend. Prepare thoroughly, execute cleanly, and keep learning. Japan was a reminder — not a wake-up call — that we’re in the middle of a fierce fight,” he emphasized.

McLaren denies Verstappen win in Japan was a wake-up call, and they’ve made their stance clear: this is not a team resting on its laurels. With Lando Norris leading the charge, Oscar Piastri improving rapidly, and Andrea Stella guiding with clarity and purpose, McLaren remains one of the most formidable forces on the Formula 1 grid in 2025.

As the season unfolds, one thing is certain: the battle between McLaren and Red Bull is just heating up. And for fans of Formula 1, that’s exactly what we hoped for.