McLaren team principal Andrea Stella commented on Red Bull's late development of the RB21, suggesting that the former world champions might pay a hefty price for it next year.
Thanks to the late development of the RB21, world champion Max Verstappen has re-entered the title fight. Since the Dutch Grand Prix, he has slashed leader Oscar Piastri's advantage from 104 to 40 points.
"Our 2026 project would be seriously compromised. We want to win titles in the coming seasons as well," Piastri responded when asked if McLaren could have continued developing the MCL39 until the very end, similar to Red Bull. "I think if we look at Red Bull and their complaints at the start of the season, they have the opportunity to develop more this season.
"Perhaps they are content to somewhat sacrifice 2026, because next year they might have other problems. And that's why they've said to themselves: 'Let's focus on 2025.'"
"To win titles in the future, you need to have a competitive car, and I think we made a very correct assessment of when to transfer all our resources to the 2026 project."