McLaren clinched the 2024 Constructors’ Championship on Sunday at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, with Lando Norris fending off Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The victory marked the first Constructors’ title for the Woking-based team in 26 years — a monumental moment for McLaren and team principal Zak Brown.

As the champagne flows, let’s dive into McLaren’s storied history, their legendary drivers, and what’s next for the team.

1. A long legacy in Formula 1
McLaren has been a cornerstone of Formula 1 since its debut in 1966. Founded by New Zealand racer and engineer Bruce McLaren, the team quickly became a force to be reckoned with, claiming their first Constructors’ Championship in 1974. Over the decades, McLaren’s blend of cutting-edge engineering and driver excellence has solidified its status as one of F1’s most iconic teams.

2. How many titles have they won?
The 2024 championship marks McLaren’s ninth Constructors’ title, with their last coming in 1998 during Mika Häkkinen’s prime. McLaren’s most dominant period spanned the 1980s and 1990s when they won six Constructors’ titles in ten years. Legendary cars like the MP4/4 and partnerships with powerhouse engine manufacturers like Honda were key to their success. The fact that they had some of the best drivers ever to grace the grid was also a key factor to the success of that period.

3. Legendary drivers through the years
McLaren has been home to some of F1’s greatest talents. Notable drivers to race for the iconic team include:

• Ayrton Senna: Widely regarded as one of the best drivers in history, Brazil’s Senna won all three of his World Championships with McLaren (1988, 1990, 1991).
• Alain Prost: Senna’s teammate and rival, Prost brought three Drivers’ Championships to McLaren (1985, 1986, 1989) and was instrumental in their success during the turbo era.
• Lewis Hamilton: Hamilton began his career with McLaren, winning his first World Championship in 2008 and becoming one of the sport’s all-time greats.
• Niki Lauda: The Austrian legend won his third and final Drivers’ Championship with McLaren in 1984.
• Mika Häkkinen: The ‘Flying Finn’ delivered back-to-back Drivers’ Championships in 1998 and 1999, cementing McLaren’s late-90s dominance.

4. The path to 2024 glory                                                          
Under Zak Brown’s leadership, McLaren has undergone a renaissance, culminating in their 2024 triumph. Strategic investments, innovative engineering, and a focus on young talent like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri has propelled them back to the top. Norris, now a seasoned driver, has been a linchpin of the team’s success, while Piastri has emerged as one of F1’s brightest stars.

5. What’s next for McLaren?
With the Constructors’ Championship secured, McLaren is already looking ahead to 2025. Their partnership with Mercedes as an engine supplier remains a cornerstone of their competitive edge. Key technical personnel like Andrea Stella continue to push the boundaries of car design, while Norris and Piastri form a formidable driver lineup.