The 2025 Formula 1 season can be summed up in one word for McLaren: dominance. And the team is already aiming to carry that momentum into 2026. From the very first pre-season tests in Bahrain, the potential of the MCL39 was evident. McLaren confirmed their promise throughout the year, ultimately securing the Constructors’ Championship at the Singapore Grand Prix, building on the strong foundation laid during the previous season.
However, the season didn’t end without its challenges. McLaren faced plenty of fears and anxieties, especially concerning the Drivers’ Championship, which seemed almost in hand before the summer break. Reliability issues and the immense pressure faced by both drivers and the team threatened to derail their success. Yet, by the season’s end, McLaren had clinched both world titles, positioning themselves as a top contender for 2026.
Is a new era of dominance beginning?
A closer look at McLaren’s 2025 statistics shows just how dominant the team truly was. Both drivers secured seven wins each, totaling 14 victories for the season. Podium finishes were frequent, with the team only missing out in Canada and Baku. This success is reflected in their total points tally of 833 by the end of the year, a massive leap from their 2023 struggles when they were one of the slowest teams on the grid. Under the leadership of Andrea Stella, McLaren’s rise has been rapid and decisive.
The team faced a few tricky moments along the way. For example, the Las Vegas Grand Prix posed challenges, and Lando Norris experienced a reliability issue in the closing laps of the Dutch Grand Prix, threatening his Drivers’ Championship hopes. Yet for the majority of the season, the MCL39 proved almost flawless: exceptionally fast in slow corners, agile through high-speed direction changes, and unmatched in tyre management. The only slight drawback was aerodynamic drag on fast circuits, though it didn’t significantly affect results.
Looking ahead to 2026
With these foundations, McLaren fans have plenty to be optimistic about. For 2026, the team is already considered a strong favorite, with continuity ensured under Andrea Stella’s guidance—a critical factor in Formula 1 success. Adding to that, the Mercedes power unit, widely regarded as the strongest on the grid, provides even more reason for optimism. All the signs point toward a potential new era of McLaren dominance in Formula 1.
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