Reigning Constructors’ Champions Hit the Track as Zak Brown Sets Sights on F1 Domination
McLaren has officially kicked off the 2025 Formula 1 season, becoming the first team to unveil its new challenger, the MCL39, with a surprise shakedown at Silverstone.
Fresh off its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, McLaren isn’t wasting any time. The MCL39 debuted in a striking camo livery, with Lando Norris taking the first laps on a chilly Thursday morning before Oscar Piastri followed later in the day.
With the team’s official 2025 design set to be revealed next week at the F1 75 event in London, McLaren’s early launch sends a clear message to its rivals—they mean business this year.
Zak Brown: “Our Target Is Both Championships”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown isn’t just aiming to defend last year’s team success—he’s pushing for a full title sweep, including the Drivers’ Championship that eluded them in 2024.
“Today is a big milestone in our journey in the fight for the 2025 title,” Brown said.
“It’s great to get our championship challenger, the MCL39, on track for the first time and to launch the culmination of the team’s hard work.”
But Brown also warned against overconfidence, acknowledging that the competition will be tighter than ever.
“Every team will have made progress over the winter. Last year highlighted just how much the grid has closed up, which is a brilliant thing for the sport.
We believe we have made further steps forward since the championship-winning MCL38, but we won’t know where we sit until qualifying in Australia.”
Still, Brown’s message is clear: McLaren has one goal in 2025—winning both titles.
Andrea Stella: “This Will Be Our Toughest Challenge Yet”
Team Principal Andrea Stella echoed Brown’s confidence but emphasized just how competitive the grid has become.
“Whilst we finished last year as champions, 2024 highlighted how highly competitive the grid is, which is something that will carry through to this year’s championship.”
McLaren knows that standing still isn’t an option—especially with Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes all gunning to take them down.
“The team have worked extremely hard to prepare as best as possible for the start of the season. We learned a lot from our battles last year, so we take this and use it to push our goal for the year.”
Can McLaren Go Back-to-Back?
With pre-season testing in Bahrain (Feb. 26-28) and the first race in Australia looming, McLaren has fired the first shot of 2025.
But can they sustain their championship-winning form?
One thing is certain: McLaren isn’t here to play defense—they’re here to dominate.