McLaren’s 2024 Comeback: A New Golden Era

October 3, 2025 | 6 min read

For over two decades, McLaren fans have waited for a return to the very top of Formula 1. Once a dominant force, the team had slipped into years of struggle — flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency. But 2024 changed everything. With the MCL38, McLaren mounted one of the most remarkable comebacks in modern F1 history. The team didn’t just compete — they conquered, securing the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 1998. For fans, it was more than a title. It was redemption.

2024 Formula One World Constructors' Championship

Every great F1 story begins with the car, and for McLaren, the MCL38 was the masterpiece. Designed with a relentless focus on aerodynamics and agility, it delivered balance in high-speed corners and consistency across circuits of all types. Upgrades throughout the season proved decisive. New floor designs, improved cooling systems, and rear-wing innovations turned the car into a genuine race winner. Unlike previous years, McLaren wasn’t just chasing podiums — they were dictating the pace. Reliability was another key factor. While rivals struggled with mechanical gremlins, McLaren executed a season with remarkable stability, ensuring that every opportunity translated into points.

McLaren reveal MCL38

No car wins on its own. In 2024, McLaren’s driver lineup proved one of the strongest on the grid. Lando Norris finally achieved his long-awaited first victory, a milestone that lifted the entire team and cemented his place among F1’s elite. His racecraft, tire management, and calm under pressure gave McLaren the consistency needed to challenge at the sharp end. Oscar Piastri , in just his second season, became the revelation of the year. Delivering mature performances far beyond his age, he scored vital podiums and points, ensuring that McLaren could take the fight to Red Bull and Ferrari. The highlight of the season? Hungary. A flawless performance by both drivers delivered a stunning 1-2 finish — a statement to the world that McLaren was back where it belonged.

McLaren duo dominates Hungary GP 2024: Norris & Piastri.

McLaren’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. Red Bull still had outright pace on certain tracks, Ferrari fought fiercely, and Mercedes was determined to return to the front. Strategic calls also tested McLaren. A few missed opportunities — like pit stop timing or tire selection — showed that even a championship-winning team is still learning. Yet, what stood out was the team’s response: fast, decisive, and united. Instead of crumbling under pressure, they grew stronger with every setback. Beyond engineering and results, McLaren’s success was also about culture. Under Andrea Stella’s leadership , the team developed an atmosphere of trust and determination. Innovation wasn’t just encouraged — it was expected. For the first time in years, the Woking factory buzzed with confidence. Engineers, mechanics, and strategists worked seamlessly with drivers, creating a synergy that became McLaren’s secret weapon.

Andrea Stella with the McLaren duo, shaping a new era.

Winning a championship is one challenge. Staying at the top is another. McLaren heads into 2025 with momentum but also with a target on its back. Rivals will push harder than ever to reclaim ground. Still, McLaren has more than just speed — they have vision. With Lando Norris hitting his prime and Oscar Piastri proving himself as a future star, the driver pairing looks built for longevity. Meanwhile, continued investment in facilities and technology ensures the team can keep evolving. For fans, the message is clear: McLaren’s return is no one-season wonder . It’s the beginning of a new golden era.