McLaren Targets More Success as It Heads to Imola with Confidence

After Miami double win, McLaren eyes momentum at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix

Fresh off a dream weekend in Miami, McLaren arrive at Imola riding high on confidence—and they’re not shy about it. With both drivers and team leadership exuding positivity, the Woking-based squad is heading into the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix with their sights set firmly on the podium once again.

After Lando Norris clinched his maiden Formula 1 victory and teammate Oscar Piastri played a crucial role in a stunning weekend for the team, expectations are understandably rising. And now, as the European leg of the season begins at one of the most iconic circuits on the calendar, McLaren believes it has the tools—and the mentality—to challenge at the sharp end.

Stella: “Imola is a true test, but we’re ready”

Team principal Andrea Stella has every reason to be upbeat. Under his leadership, McLaren has made one of the most impressive turnarounds on the grid in the last 12 months. From midfield mediocrity to front-running pace, the MCL39 has become a car to be feared—and Imola offers the next stage to showcase that progress.

“After a very successful weekend for us in Miami, we head to Imola for the first of a new three-race series,” Stella said in a team statement. “The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is always a big event and the circuit named after Enzo and Dino Ferrari is a serious test for both engineers and drivers, with its mix of fast and slow corners.”

He acknowledged the intensity of the opening stretch of the season and made sure to credit his team for the strides they’ve made. “The start of the season was very intense. I would like to thank the whole team once again. We are looking forward to the Imola weekend.”

It’s not just lip service. McLaren’s gains are visible—not just in the performance sheets but in the mood around the garage. They’ve built a car that works on a range of circuits, and the belief is growing that Miami was not a one-off.

Piastri: “We’re in a good place—let’s keep building”

Norris: The ‘four holes’ that cost McLaren driver Imola victory

Oscar Piastri may have played second fiddle to Norris in Miami, but his contribution was vital. The young Australian has been consistently strong all season, and his hunger for more is evident.

“I am going to Imola with hope and confidence,” he said ahead of the weekend. “An old-school track awaits us. It will be very interesting to pass familiar corners like Acque Minerali and Piratella with the MCL39.”

It’s clear that Piastri relishes the challenge of classic European circuits. “I am fully focused ahead of the first race of the European leg and want to continue our success in Miami,” he added.

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix will be a different beast compared to the street-style chaos of Miami, but Piastri’s calm demeanour and growing technical awareness make him well-suited to Imola’s demanding layout.

Norris: “We’ve got a fast car—and I’m hungry for more”

If anyone is entering Imola with an extra spring in their step, it’s Lando Norris. After waiting over 100 races for that elusive first F1 win, the 24-year-old finally broke his duck in Miami—and he did it in style.

“I’m delighted to be heading to Imola for the first race in Europe,” said Norris. “The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is one of the special races on the calendar and I am looking forward to this weekend.”

It was a well-earned celebration at McLaren HQ after Miami, but Norris is already focused on keeping the momentum alive.

“It was great to be back at the team factory in between races, celebrate the success together and then continue to prepare for this challenging three-race series,” he explained. “We have a fast car and I am ready to continue the season where we left off.”

That confidence isn’t misplaced. The MCL39 seems to have found a sweet spot in terms of balance and drivability, with both Norris and Piastri able to extract strong lap times across different setups and track conditions. And as Formula 1 heads into the high-speed, low-margin world of European circuits, McLaren’s sharp execution and in-race strategy could be key.

Imola: A Circuit That Punishes Mistakes

The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari is revered for its unforgiving nature. Narrow in places, with flowing sequences like Variante Alta and Rivazza, Imola rewards commitment and punishes hesitation. With gravel traps still waiting just off the curbs, track limits are defined not by white lines but by natural consequence.

This track isn’t just about car performance—it’s about precision. And that makes McLaren’s current driver pairing even more significant. Norris brings experience and rhythm, while Piastri’s calm, analytical approach has shown he’s unflappable under pressure. It’s a combination that bodes well for a place like Imola, where one misstep can mean a weekend undone.

Can McLaren Maintain the Momentum?

There’s no denying that the pecking order in F1 2025 is tighter than it’s been in years. Red Bull may still lead the way on paper, but McLaren is now firmly in the mix—and with Ferrari and Mercedes also pushing hard, the margin for error is shrinking every weekend.

What’s more, this upcoming triple-header—which includes Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona—will test not only performance but consistency. That’s where teams will be separated: who can score big across all three? Who can bring upgrades that actually work?

McLaren’s Miami update package paid off immediately. Now, the question is whether they can sustain that level of execution across different circuits and conditions.

Final Thoughts: A New McLaren, a New Chapter

This isn’t the McLaren of old, clinging to nostalgia or false dawns. Under Andrea Stella’s leadership and with a revitalised technical team, this is a squad that’s moving with intent. They’re not just here to take part—they’re aiming to fight for real.

Heading into Imola, the team knows the spotlight will be on them. That comes with pressure, but it also comes with opportunity. And judging by the mood within the camp, it’s clear they’re ready to embrace both.

From Woking to Imola, the message from McLaren is loud and clear: they’re not done winning.