In a candid revelation, Andrea Stella, the head of the McLaren team, shared insights into the unforeseen ‘implications’ of their championship victory. The astounding triumph in the 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship marked McLaren’s first title win in over two decades since 1998. This monumental achievement led to some unanticipated epiphanies during the winter off-season, Stella disclosed.
Being crowned as the Constructors’ Champions, McLaren was presented with the premier garage positions in the pitlane. This advantageous positioning means that their drivers don’t have to make harsh turns while entering their pitbox during a Grand Prix. Though it’s a minor edge over their competitors, who must navigate in at tighter angles especially during rush hours, it symbolizes much more. It’s not only a psychological boost but also a proud reminder of their first position in the pitlane.
Reflecting on the unexpected perk of their title win, Stella humorously shared the team’s reaction when they arrived at Bahrain for pre-season testing last week. “The realization hit us all, ‘Wow, we are the first garage!'” he remarked. “I didn’t foresee this as one of the positive outcomes of our championship victory. I’m sure everyone in the team savored this moment of realization.”
However, Stella was quick to note that this euphoria was fleeting, as the team is fully aware that they are back to square one in the new season. “We all start with zero points. It’s crucial to remain professional and focused on the present,” he asserted. “We relished our top position for a moment, but that moment has passed. We are now fully committed to the present and future.”
As McLaren ended their long title drought, the question arises – Will they celebrate podium success similarly in F1 2025? Over recent years, McLaren’s gradual rise back to contention was marked by grand celebrations for significant achievements. Podium finishes were often celebrated with the entire trackside team coming together for celebratory photos, champagne showers, and jubilation as Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri delivered new trophies for the Woking factory.
However, Stella hinted that now, with their return to the pinnacle of F1, what was once celebrated as a success may be perceived as a failure in 2025. “Celebrating success is integral to our culture,” he responded when asked about their celebration plans. “A podium is a significant achievement. We will assess internally.”
Stella emphasized the importance of the team’s sentiment in deciding the level of celebrations. He indicated that they will continually acknowledge and celebrate their success, irrespective of whether it’s a victory or a podium finish. He noted, “A podium in Formula 1 is still a significant achievement. If we were having this conversation two years ago, it would have been considered a massive accomplishment.”
In conclusion, Stella left us in suspense about McLaren’s celebration plans, adding, “Hopefully, you will discover soon what we have decided to do!” This sense of intrigue and anticipation about McLaren’s future moves adds yet another layer of excitement to the upcoming F1 season.