As McLaren approaches the 2025 Formula 1 season, team principal Andrea Stella has emphasized the need for continuous improvement, despite the team’s current position as championship leaders. While McLaren heads into the Abu Dhabi finale with a 21-point lead over Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship, Stella acknowledged that the Woking-based squad must elevate its game further to secure both titles next season.
A Competitive Field
McLaren’s resurgence in 2024 positioned it as a dominant force, but recent performances from Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull underscore the challenges ahead. Ferrari’s late-season surge, Red Bull’s consistent operational excellence, and Mercedes’ standout moments in races like Las Vegas have all closed the performance gap.
Stella noted,
“Three months ago, I would say we are in a really strong trajectory compared to our competitors. But look at Ferrari’s mid-season recovery, Red Bull’s relentless pace even when their car wasn’t the fastest, and Mercedes occasionally delivering exceptional performances. If we want to be genuine contenders in 2025, the trajectory we’ve been having is not enough.”
Unfinished Business in 2024
Despite leading the Constructors’ Championship and placing Lando Norris second in the Drivers’ standings, McLaren has faced setbacks. Operational errors and race-day challenges allowed Max Verstappen to clinch the Drivers’ Championship two races early. Stella acknowledged that while McLaren prioritized the Constructors’ title, the ultimate ambition is to dominate both championships.
Constructors’ vs. Drivers’ Championship
When pressed on which title McLaren values more, Stella highlighted the Constructors’ Championship’s importance to the team’s trajectory:
“For where we are at the moment, the Constructors’ Championship is just an unbelievable quest. It’s the foundation we need to build upon. Once things are in place, we can go for the Drivers’ [title].”
Lando Norris echoed this sentiment, expressing that the team’s current focus should be on solidifying its reputation as a leading constructor before targeting individual accolades.
2025: A Critical Year for McLaren
With the 2024 season showcasing McLaren’s return to the forefront of F1, Stella stressed that complacency is not an option:
“This is the time not to be happy with our trajectory. This is the time to say that the level, the bar, needs to be raised.”
McLaren’s commitment to raising its game, coupled with the growing strength of its rivals, sets the stage for an intense 2025 season. While the team looks poised to end a decades-long Constructors’ Championship drought, Stella and his squad are already planning for the next step: achieving dominance in both championships.
