Max Verstappen admits McLaren appears excellent throughout 2025 as the current world champion thinks Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes will trade blows in the battle for best of the rest.
Lando Norris secured victory in the opening race of the season Down Under last weekend and aims to leverage McLaren’s clear performance edge at the Chinese Grand Prix, where this year’s inaugural sprint race will also be held in Shanghai.
Verstappen crossed the finish line just under a second behind Norris for Red Bull in the unpredictable weather in Melbourne, with the Mercedes pair following closely. George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli securing the third and fourth positions respectively.
Given the forecast for a completely dry weekend in China, Norris and Oscar Piastri hopes to demonstrate the genuine pace of the McLaren – even though Verstappen has already made it evident just how impressive it appears.
They possess incredible strength," he stated. "I must say, I hold them in high regard for their accomplishments. They were impressive even last year and currently they are quite swift. Yes, they excel across the board.
So I believe that’s simply the truth. Determining exactly how significant this difference is proves challenging. The unmistakable image presented itself: McLaren was noticeably ahead. Even though I don’t consider myself inept in rainy conditions, during my initial phase, I had limited opportunities for competition.
I believe overall we need to improve collectively; when compared to McLaren, they excel in every area.
It’s difficult to provide a complete answer. Personally, I believe that Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari were fairly evenly matched. Their performance might vary slightly from one racetrack to another.
Lando Norris from McLaren, Max Verstappen with Red Bull Racing
Photo credit: Lubomir Asenov / Motorsport Images
Even though McLaren was expected to lead at least the beginning of the 2025 season, Norris stated that the car "does not match my driving style whatsoever," adding that it is "a difficult car both to handle and to build a complete lap with."
Last year, Verstappen found himself in a comparable position, securing race victories early in the season despite not entirely being satisfied with his Red Bull.
When informed about what Norris mentioned, the Dutchman responded, 'Perhaps he was just kidding about his own McLaren.' He added, ‘I prefer not to draw comparisons. Certainly, at the beginning of last year, I expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects even though we continued to win.’
Images from the Chinese Grand Prix - Thursday
Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin Racing
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
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Oliver Bearman with the Haas F1 Team
Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Esteban Ocon, from the Haas Formula 1 team
Simon Galloway / Photos courtesy of Motorsport Images
Jack Doohan, Alpine
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Oliver Bearman with the Haas F1 Team
Simon Galloway / Photos courtesy of Motorsport Images
Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
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A member of the Haas F1 team standing in the pit lane next to a tire cart.
Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Lance Stroll, who races for Aston Martin
Zak Mauger / Photos from Motorsport Images
Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin Racing
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Franco Colapinto, Substitute Driver, Alpine F1 Team
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
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Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing
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Circuit drain manhole cover
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Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
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Carlos Sainz, Williams
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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
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Nico Hulkenberg from Sauber, Gabriel Bortoleto with Sauber
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George Russell from Mercedes, Flavio Briatore associated with Alpine F1
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George Russell, Mercedes
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Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, Frederic Vasseur with Ferrari
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
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Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Oliver Oakes, Alpine, Flavio Briatore, Alpine F1
Simon Galloway / Photos courtesy of Motorsport Images
Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
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Fernando Alonso, who competes for Aston Martin Racing,
Zak Mauger / Photos courtesy of Motorsport Images
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
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Oliver Bearman with the Haas F1 Team
Simon Galloway / Photosports Images
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Bryn Lennon - Formula 1
Flavio Briatore, Alpine F1
Simon Galloway / Photos from Motorsport Images
Lance Stroll, who races for Aston Martin
Zak Mauger / Motor Racing Photographs
Esteban Ocon with the Haas F1 Team, Oliver Bearman linked to the Haas F1 Team, Courtney Crone racing for ART Grand Prix
Simon Galloway / Photos courtesy of Motorsport Images
Jack Doohan, Alpine
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Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing
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