Goodbye ‘best of the rest’ as McLaren set Red Bull in their sights McLaren attempt to claw their way back to the team worthy of eight constructor titles, they have been through multiple drivers and partnerships in recent seasons, but have they finally got the formula right? Having been outscored only by Red Bull in the past seven races, it’s safe to say McLaren have come far from the team considered the slowest by many pundits in preseason testing. But this consistent growth is only the beginning of the team’s aspiration, after a double podium finish at the Japanese Grand Prix, Lando Norris stated that “[McLaren] are coming for Red Bull” in an adrenaline-fueled post-race radio message to his engineers, saying much about McLarens intentions and where they believe the competition lays. A talented driver pairing together with an efficient engine may solve McLarens struggles. Carlos Sainz and Daniel Riccardo have been the previous driver partners to Norris, but is rookie Oscar Piastri finally the right fit. Separated currently in the drivers standing by Mercedes’ George Russel, it is clear that Piastri is a vital asset to the team this season, finishing consistently in the points. In 2018, McLaren were powered by Renaut only to be replaced in 2021 by a Mercedes unit, but it’s no secret that McLaren are looking for a new partnership. Zac Brown, McLaren’s CEO, reportedly met with Red Bull regarding power trains for the 2026 season. It seems the if you cannot beat them join them attitude does not only apply to a Red Bull power unit, as Rob Marshall will be joining the McLaren team as chief engineer after seventeen years with Red Bull Racing, depicting a clear idea of what McLaren are gunning for. However, the idea that McLaren are coming for Red Bull cannot be taken seriously without considering other teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari and even Aston Martin. McLaren are currently fifth in the constructor standings with a substantial gap to the current second place Mercedes, just over 130 points. Not only would McLaren need to rapidly overcome that gap they would need to combat the 300 plus point gap between Mercedes and Red Bull. Even McLarens team principal Andrea Stella apprehends Mercedes to “jump back quite strongly” and return to their top form. McLaren do not intend to come for Red Bull, they intend to come for everyone.