McLaren’s Championship Triumph: A Dream Realized
Every dream needs a team. For McLaren, that dream was winning the Constructors’ Championship—a feat they hadn’t achieved in 26 years. With Lando Norris finishing 2nd in the Drivers’ standings and McLaren becoming the only team to avoid a single DNF all season, this year’s campaign was nothing short of extraordinary.
Under the dazzling lights of Abu Dhabi, McLaren sealed their historic victory. Lando Norris, reflecting on the season, emphasized the team’s collective achievement: “Winning a championship for the first time in 26 years—it’s unbelievable. For me and Oscar to be part of that is something we’re incredibly proud of. Delivering this for the team has put the biggest smile on everyone’s face.”
For Norris, the success wasn’t just personal—it was about the team’s efforts coming together. “This is the biggest reward you can give back to everyone who designs the car, builds the car, and supports us. I’m just proud. Happy about my season, of course, but I’m way happier for the team. It’s a historic moment.”
From Chaos to Champions
But how did McLaren turn things around? Just a few seasons ago, they were struggling to stay competitive. Team Principal Andrea Stella pointed to long-term investment in people and culture as the cornerstone of McLaren’s transformation. “This isn’t something you do in a day. It’s the result of consistent effort over time,” Stella explained.
Stella has been with McLaren for a decade, ascending to the role of Team Principal in 2023. “In F1, you need a winning mentality and emotional resilience. It’s a rollercoaster,” he said. “The whole team showed maturity this season. The finale was a great example—we had to stay calm after what happened to Oscar on the first lap, and we executed the best pit stop of the season when it mattered most.”
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
The 2024 championship win was a product of exceptional teamwork. Drivers Lando Norris and rookie sensation Oscar Piastri delivered consistent performances, while the entire organization, from engineers in Woking to leadership figures like Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown, played pivotal roles in McLaren’s resurgence.
Brown, who joined McLaren in 2016 as Executive Director and became CEO in 2018, was instrumental in steering the team out of its darkest days. A former racer himself, Brown’s career spanned karting, Formula Ford, Opel-Lotus, and endurance racing, including podium finishes at the Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring 12 Hours. His passion for motorsport, coupled with marketing and leadership expertise, fueled McLaren’s rebirth.
“Andrea and I are very different, but we complement each other well,” Brown remarked. “There’s mutual respect, and that’s been key to our success.”
Stella echoed this sentiment, praising the collaboration between team leadership and the wider McLaren family. “Zak’s vision and support have been vital. This season was a testament to what happens when every part of the organization comes together.”
Eyes on the Next Prize
As the team celebrated their championship, Norris was already looking ahead. “Next year is my year,” he declared over the radio during the season’s final lap. His confidence is shared by the entire McLaren camp.
“Our goal is clear,” Norris said. “We want to win the Constructors’ again and the Drivers’ Championship. I’ve made mistakes this year, but I’ve learned a lot—from Max, from my competitors, and from believing in myself. I’m excited to start next season and aim even higher.”
A Legacy Revived
McLaren’s championship is more than just a win—it’s a revival of one of F1’s most storied teams. From chaos to glory, the journey has been powered by resilience, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As McLaren gears up for the 2025 season, the Monster Energy family celebrates their incredible achievement. This victory isn’t just a chapter in McLaren’s history—it’s the start of a new era. The dream is alive, the team is stronger than ever, and the future looks electric.
Let’s go, McLaren!
