How Baku highlighted McLaren’s straight line weakness

McLaren endured a difficult Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leaving the team without points for the third time this season. Oscar Piastri, who had been running strongly in second, dropped out of the points after a mistake at Turn 1 in the closing laps, while Lando Norris was forced to retire following a collision between Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly. Team Principal Andrea Stella attributed the poor results to fundamental car limitations, specifically citing a lack of straight-line speed and cornering performance. Stella also noted that Norris faced persistent power unit issues throughout the weekend, which, combined with the team's aerodynamic drag, left their drivers vulnerable to overtaking. Despite the disappointment, Stella praised Piastri's defensive driving and confirmed that the Baku upgrade package showed promising data, with development now shifting focus toward the 2027 season.