(Motorsport-Total.com) – During qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, McLaren sent an important sign of life. With third place for Oscar Piastri and fifth for Lando Norris, the team presented itself as significantly more competitive than in previous weeks. The gap to pole position was just over three-tenths of a second – a gap that gives hope.
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McLaren was particularly convincing in direct comparison: Ferrari was beaten in qualifying, a clear sign of progress. Nevertheless, the pecking order remains unchanged, as Mercedes is still out of reach.
Stella: Progress through power unit understanding
Team Principal Andrea Stella sees clear reasons for McLaren’s upward trend. “There are signs of progress in terms of performance and overall competitiveness,” he explains.
Part of this progress is due to improvements in the set-up. “We’re getting a bit more out of the chassis,” says Stella. However, the decisive factor lies elsewhere: with the power unit.
“Above all, we are getting more out of the power unit,” he emphasizes. Especially with the new generation of engines, it is difficult to exploit the full potential – but this is exactly where McLaren has made progress recently.
Intensified collaboration with Mercedes pays off
One key lies in closer cooperation with the Mercedes engine engineers. “We understand the power unit better and work more closely together,” explains Stella.
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This learning curve is now paying off measurably for the first time. “That is rewarded with lap time,” he says. The gap to the top is still there, but at least in qualifying, they can now mix it up again. “It’s positive that we’re on par with Ferrari in qualifying,” says Stella. At the same time, he remains realistic: “Mercedes is still one step ahead.”
Piastri: Progress noticeable – but gap remains
Oscar Piastri himself also sees a clear development. “It’s nice to be closer,” says the Australian after third place. From weekend to weekend, they are learning more about the car and the power unit. “We’re understanding better and better how to use the package,” he explains. Especially on a demanding track like Suzuka, that is crucial.
Despite the progress, McLaren remains cautious. “We’re under no illusions,” Piastri clarifies. “The gap is still quite large.” Third place in qualifying is therefore to be understood more as an intermediate step. The team has taken a step forward – but there is still a way to go to the top.
Especially in race trim and over longer distances, it remains to be seen whether McLaren can confirm the upward trend. Nevertheless, Suzuka is an important signal. After a difficult start to the season, McLaren is showing that the direction is right.
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