McLaren brings upgrades, and McLaren wins. As FormulaUno.it reports, this has been the script for Andrea Stella's squad over the last three seasons, and it played out once more at Interlagos this weekend. Following a handful of early components introduced for the United States Grand Prix, fresh parts debuted on the MCL40 in Brazil, and the expectations were fully met. Lando Norris claimed his third victory of the season, lifting the papaya machine back to the sharp end of the grid after a dry spell lasting two months. From Madrid onward, Norris and Piastri had managed a meager 59 points compared to 127 for Mercedes, 146 for Ferrari, and 152 for Red Bull. The package rolled out in Sepang simply failed to provide the necessary pace to stay with the leading pack, a reality Stella immediately acknowledged.
Mercedes threw it away, and McLaren took full advantage. While the pole position came courtesy of an unfortunate moment for Russell when it mattered most, Norris was peerless during the race. Following an early defensive phase against a Mercedes machine that excelled in rear-end management, Norris seized control on the soft tires. In the hands of the reigning world champion, the W17 proved masterful at keeping rear-axle temperatures under control through the opening stint, creating a clear advantage in the slower sections of the track. Yet, mixed conditions stress-tested the operational windows of these cars, and that is precisely where McLaren made their move.
"The conditions helped us and we managed to keep the tire temperature under control," Stella explained.
A straightforward race would have likely yielded a podium rather than a win, and the underlying suspicion remains that the papaya car lacks the sheer pace of the world champions. Stella offered a grounded assessment after the celebrations, noting that low temperatures played right into their hands while Mercedes clearly preferred warmer conditions. Rivals like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari will remain fierce competition, leaving the team with plenty of work ahead.
Norris put the team on his back with an exceptional drive, handling both slicks and intermediates flawlessly without making a single mistake. The Englishman now sits 33 points adrift of Verstappen in second and just 16 points behind Russell in third. Stella praised his adaptability, calling him a master in tricky conditions.
The intra-team gap, however, was staggering. Oscar Piastri struggled mightily with the characteristics of the new-generation cars, finishing nearly a minute behind his teammate. Though the Australian showed flashes of pace during the dry spells and lost time in traffic, his final classification laid bare the ongoing struggle.
Beyond just the race win, the team brought a new front wing hinting at their 2027 direction, alongside a revised rear wing and floor modifications. Stella praised the collective effort across upgrades, setup, strategy, and pit stops, noting that the new parts provided vital insight for the future. Though Las Vegas looms as a daunting challenge for the MCL40's efficiency, upcoming rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi may offer better hunting grounds as the season winds down.
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