McLaren on the Brink of Historic Constructors’ Championship at Azerbaijan Grand Prix
As the Formula 1 circus heads to Baku, McLaren stands poised to clinch the 2025 Constructors’ Championship title, potentially setting a new record for the earliest championship confirmation in terms of races remaining. Currently leading the standings, McLaren could surpass Red Bull’s previous record—established when Red Bull confirmed its title with six rounds left—if they secure the championship this weekend.
To achieve this historic milestone, McLaren must outscore Ferrari by at least nine points. A one-two or one-three finish would guarantee the title, irrespective of Ferrari’s performance. Conversely, if Ferrari secures a one-two or one-three result, McLaren’s path to confirmation becomes more complicated. Notably, should Ferrari win, McLaren’s second and third positions would still suffice for title victory.
Furthermore, McLaren must protect its lead against Mercedes and Red Bull, both of whom remain mathematically in contention. To maintain its position, McLaren is required to avoid losing more than 12 points to Mercedes and 33 points to Red Bull in Baku.
The season highlights include McLaren’s dominance, having only been outperformed once—at the Canadian Grand Prix—when competing teams capitalized on Lando Norris’s early retirement due to contact with Oscar Piastri. On that occasion, Mercedes amassed 40 points, substantially outscoring McLaren by 28.
In the Drivers’ Championship, six competitors remain in contention: Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton. However, Hamilton will be eliminated from title contention unless he outperforms Piastri by eight points—or nine if he fails to win—this weekend.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be a pivotal event, with McLaren on the cusp of history and the championship landscape poised for potential upheaval.
