McLaren true fourth force on the grid
After long, complicated seasons, McLaren is finally emerging from the water. Proof of this step forward is its position as the fourth-best team on the grid.

With a 20-point lead over Renault, McLaren reigns in the midfield. Having missed points only on three occasions: in Australia, China, and Canada, consistency is key for the Woking team. These achievements are possible thanks to an astonishingly well-balanced MCL34. While the Renault power unit provides the papaya car with good top speed, unlike the French team, they have managed to design an excellent chassis. This technical improvement has been made possible by the arrival of Andreas Seidl, who has provided real direction to the engineers.
In general, a certain form of peace seems to have settled within the team that is an eight-time world champion. With Fernando Alonso’s departure in 2018, McLaren opted for a duo of young drivers who bring good consistency. On one hand, Carlos Sainz, who is undoubtedly delivering his best Formula 1 season by being the best of the rest. On the other hand, Lando Norris, a young rookie who has already shown a lot, including several finishes in the points. In addition to being performant, the pair gets along very well and manages to develop the MCL34.
With 52 points scored, McLaren has almost matched its total points from the entire 2018 season (62). 7th and 8th in the championship on the drivers’ side, the British team holds a strong position in all aspects of the standings. The only enemy of Zak Brown’s team is surely itself. Indeed, poor development similar to last year’s could tarnish this promising start to the campaign.
The current team standings:
1 | Mercedes | 363 |
2 | Ferrari | 228 |
3 | Red Bull | 169 |
4 | McLaren | 52 |
5 | Renault | 42 |
6 | Alfa Romeo | 22 |
7 | Racing Point | 19 |
8 | Toro Rosso | 17 |
9 | Haas | 16 |
10 | Williams | 0 |
The rest of the current standings for the 2019 F1 teams