After clinching the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, McLaren has set its sights on an even more ambitious target for 2025: a double title triumph. The team’s boss, Andrea Stella, emphasized that the squad must deliver a title-caliber car from the outset if drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are to contend for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ crowns.
Norris on the Hunt for Redemption
Despite a breakout 2024 season where he secured his maiden win and launched a valiant title challenge, Lando Norris ultimately fell short in his battle against four-time champion Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver clinched the championship with two races to spare, capitalizing on the early advantage gained during Red Bull’s dominance in the first half of the season.
Norris has been candid about the errors that plagued his campaign, both on his part and within the team. Determined to bridge the gap to Verstappen, Norris has focused on addressing weaknesses in his racecraft and consistency.
“I didn’t have what it took this season to fight against Max and deliver what I needed to deliver,” Norris admitted. “But I’ve learned a lot, and I know what needs to be done to take that final step.”
The Team’s Role in Norris’ Success
Stella was quick to acknowledge that Norris’ shortcomings weren’t entirely his own. McLaren’s slow start to 2024, particularly before the transformative Miami upgrade, hindered the Briton’s title chances.
“Lando couldn’t stay in the quest until the last race because we, as a team, didn’t provide him with a fast enough car at the start of the season,” Stella explained.
“After the Miami upgrade, he was on par with Verstappen in terms of points, which shows the potential when the car is right.”
Piastri’s Role in the Title Bid
Alongside Norris, Oscar Piastri showcased tremendous growth in his sophomore F1 season, claiming his first victories and solidifying McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship. The young Australian’s ability to contribute points consistently and challenge for podiums will be crucial to McLaren’s hopes of defending the team title while supporting Norris’ Drivers’ Championship bid.
Cultural Evolution Behind McLaren’s Resurgence
Stella credits McLaren’s turnaround to its evolving culture, which he describes as fostering talent, learning from missed opportunities, and maximizing potential.
“The team culture is a fundamental element,” Stella explained. “You need strong performance, but also a strong human culture to capitalize on opportunities and grow.”
This ethos transformed McLaren from the team that sat last in the standings after one race in 2023 to the Constructors’ Champions a year later.
The Road Ahead
With the 2025 season looming, the focus at McLaren is clear: start strong and maintain the momentum throughout the campaign. The team is acutely aware of the challenges ahead, particularly with Verstappen and Red Bull still formidable competitors and Ferrari looking to reclaim the top spot.
“The bar is incredibly high,” Stella admitted. “Hamilton and Verstappen have shown what it takes. We need to ensure we provide both Lando and Oscar with the tools to reach that level.”
Can McLaren Dethrone Verstappen?
For Norris, the lessons of 2024 are fresh, and his hunger for a maiden Drivers’ Championship is palpable. With a bolstered car and a culture of continuous improvement, McLaren is poised to challenge Red Bull for supremacy in 2025. Whether they can achieve the elusive title double remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Woking is ready to give it everything they’ve got.