Hamilton impressed by Verstappen's team; McLaren admits development lag

McLaren faces a significant development deficit in the current Formula 1 season, acknowledging they are months behind their rivals. Team principal Andrea Stella emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating the team needs to develop their car faster than the competition to close the gap.

"We are at least two months behind in development time," Stella revealed. "Among ourselves, the other leaders, we actually talk about three months of development, that's how much we need to catch up. Only this is possible: to develop our car better and faster than our rivals."

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We are at least two months behind in development time. Among ourselves, the other leaders, we actually talk about three months of development, that's how much we need to catch up.

The team is commemorating McLaren's origins back to 1966 with special car liveries, but underlying performance issues persist. After a dominant performance last year, drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have secured two podium finishes each so far this season, indicating a strong but not leading pace.

The article also previews the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a circuit that has hosted Formula 1 since its inception in 1950, and has been the venue for the British race since 1987. Lewis Hamilton holds a record nine wins at his home race, though last year's winner was Lando Norris. The track's history includes 60 previous winners, with only 22 having won from pole position, partly due to unpredictable weather. This year, however, strong winds are forecast, but rain and high temperatures are unlikely, with expected temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius.

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Only this is possible: to develop our car better and faster than our rivals.