The 2024 Formula 1 season marked a historic moment as McLaren claimed the Constructors’ Championship. Lando Norris’s remarkable performance and victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ended a 26-year wait, re-establishing McLaren as a powerhouse in Formula 1. This triumph, further reinforced by the consistent performances of both Norris and Oscar Piastri, symbolizes McLaren’s return to glory.
Rebuilding for Success
McLaren’s last Constructors’ Championship came in 1998 under Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard. Despite occasional challenges for titles, persistent technical and strategic setbacks kept the team away from championship glory. The Honda-powered struggles between 2015 and 2018 marked the team’s darkest period.
Zak Brown’s appointment in 2019 initiated a systematic rebuild. With Andrea Stella at the helm as team principal and technical expertise from key figures like Rob Marshall, McLaren steadily climbed back to the top.
Driver Contributions: Norris and Piastri
In 2024, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri showcased exceptional teamwork and determination. Norris led the charge with four victories, while Piastri added two wins, cementing McLaren’s dominance throughout the season.
The Role of Mercedes Power
McLaren’s switch to Mercedes engines played a pivotal role in this success. By breaking the stigma that customer teams cannot achieve championships, McLaren demonstrated the effectiveness of seamless integration and optimization. With eight race wins, McLaren capped off the season in style.
Making History
This championship is McLaren’s ninth Constructors’ title, tying them with Williams in the all-time standings. The 2024 season not only celebrates a significant achievement but also sets the stage for a bright and promising future for McLaren in Formula 1.