McLaren claims victory after 26 years in Formula One championship race.
After a challenging 2017 season that saw McLaren finish ninth out of 10 teams, the British racing powerhouse has made a determined resurgence, returning to title-winning form in Formula 1. This turnaround can be attributed to several key factors, including technical and aerodynamic upgrades, a strong driver lineup, superior tire and race management, a reliable engine partnership, organisational stability, and efficient race operations.
One of the pivotal moments in McLaren's comeback was the upgrade package introduced in the 2024 season's Miami Grand Prix, which significantly altered the pecking order in Formula 1. This was followed by a historic achievement, as a McLaren team, for the first time, won a constructors' championship at the McLaren Technology Centre, ending a 26-year constructors' championship drought.
The McLaren Technology Centre, a 21-year-old structure designed to resemble a spaceport, has been the hub of this remarkable transformation. The centre's 1000 or so staff have worked tirelessly to ensure McLaren's success, not just by building fast cars and hiring quick drivers, but by fostering a culture of collaboration and performance.
Piers Thynne, a 17-year McLaren veteran and the chief operating officer at the McLaren Technology Centre, has been instrumental in driving these cultural changes. Thynne's role extends beyond managing the factory, as he emphasises the importance of good people working together and having good conversations to ensure the delivery of performance.
Thynne has been supported by McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown and F1 team principal Andrea Stella, who have empowered him to drive these cultural changes within the team. Together, they have worked to create a positive and supportive team environment, crucial during intense championship battles.
This cultural shift has been evident in the past 18 to 24 months, with the McLaren team's culture going from good to extremely positive. The team's hard work has paid off, as they have secured podium finishes, race victories, and even set a new Formula 1 record for the fastest pit stop at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in 2023.
McLaren's continued use of a Mercedes engine, with an extended contract until 2030, has provided the team with reliable and robust engine performance that complements their chassis strengths. This partnership, combined with the team's strong driver lineup of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who are considered to be one of the strongest lineups in Formula 1, has been fundamental in McLaren's resurgence.
Norris's experience and motivation to rebound after setbacks, such as at the Canadian GP, have helped maintain team momentum. Meanwhile, Piastri, who leads the 2025 championship and is praised for his combination of measured racecraft and raw speed, has been crucial in securing valuable points for the team.
McLaren's technical and aerodynamic upgrades, notably at the Austrian and Singapore Grands Prix, have also been immediately impactful, helping the team secure podium finishes and race victories, including McLaren's first sprint race win at the Qatar Grand Prix. These upgrades, combined with the team's superior tire and race management, high downforce efficiency, and traction, give McLaren an edge on technical circuits like the Red Bull Ring.
The hard work and dedication of the McLaren team, under the leadership of Thynne, Brown, and Stella, have earned them the Motorsport Award for their dogged climb back up the ranks and their renewed contention for championship glory in Formula 1. McLaren's resurgence serves as a testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and a positive culture in achieving success in motorsport.
[1] McLaren sets new pit stop record at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, BBC Sport, 2023. [2] McLaren's driver lineup praised for strong performances, Sky Sports, 2025. [3] McLaren's organisational stability crucial during championship battles, Motorsport.com, 2023. [4] Lando Norris's comeback after Canadian GP setback boosts McLaren, Autosport, 2025.
- The McLaren Technology Centre, with its culture of collaboration and performance, played a significant role in McLaren's resurgence, as they won a constructors' championship, ending a 26-year drought, after introducing an upgrade package in the 2024 season's Miami Grand Prix.
- McLaren's success in Formula 1, marked by historic championship wins and record-breaking pit stops, can be attributed not only to technical and aerodynamic upgrades but also to the strong camaraderie and positive culture fostered by leaders like Piers Thynne, Zak Brown, and Andrea Stella.
