McLaren faces engine disadvantage as Alpine's Franco Colapinto future remains uncertain

McLaren team director Andrea Stella warned that being a customer of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains leaves the British outfit at a competitive disadvantage. With Mercedes prioritising its works team and restricting access to the ADUU upgrade system, McLaren cannot obtain the latest performance or reliability updates, limiting its chance to challenge for wins despite finishing third in the constructors' standings.

Alpine executive Flavio Briatore said Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto has talent but his ultimate level is still unknown. Briatore emphasized the intense mental pressure on young drivers, the need for a better car, and that a decision on Colapinto’s future will be taken before the summer break, underscoring car performance over driver issues.