The McLaren Technology Centre was bustling with energy on Thursday as the Woking-based team gathered to toast their 2025 Constructors’ Championship, a back-to-back triumph that marks their first consecutive titles since 1991.
The air was thick with pride, champagne, and the vibrant orange glow of the outfit’s iconic papaya livery as McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown hailed the “culture and unity” that fueled one of the most remarkable turnarounds in F1 history.
From the depths of a misstep in 2023, when McLaren’s car lagged at the back of the grid, to dominating the sport with a contender that’s become the envy of the paddock, the team’s resurgence is nothing short of extraordinary.
Culture and Unity
Brown, beaming with pride, took center stage to reflect on the journey and rally the troops for what’s still to come.
“It’s great to be able to come together and celebrate the success that we have achieved as a team,” the 53-year-old American declared.
“We can also take this moment to reflect on the papaya era of McLaren, which began in 2018 but truly came into full force in 2023.
“To have been able to achieve one of the biggest turnarounds in Formula 1 history is something everyone can be proud of.
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"Since the beginning of this era, we’ve celebrated 18 pole positions, 19 victories, 67 podiums and nine 1-2 finishes, while also delivering back-to-back constructors' championships.”
Brown concluded by highlighting the two main assets that have fueled McLaren’s triumphs.
"This success is down to the culture and unity that drives this team alongside the valued support of our incredible fans and partners. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey together,” he said.
Drivers Reflect on Dominance and What Lies Ahead
Lando Norris was on hand to share his excitement about the team’s achievements, emphasizing the sheer performance of the MCL39.
"It’s an incredible feeling to have done it again," he said. "To be world champions for the second year in a row is just as special as the first time.
"The team have given us an incredible, dominant car that’s been a joy to drive every weekend. Celebrating with everyone today at the MTC makes me smile and will be a moment I’ll remember forever."
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Of course, Oscar Piastri also joined the festivities, noting the ongoing battle between the team-mates for their first F1 drivers’ titles.
"What we’ve been able to achieve over the last few seasons is impressive," the Australian remarked.
"We’ve come a long way, and to be able to say that we’ve recorded one of the most dominant seasons in Formula 1 history is incredibly special, I’m grateful to be able to celebrate that with everyone at MTC.
"To fight consistently at the front of the Formula 1 grid is a real honour, and it’s only possible thanks to every single member of the team.”
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But Piastri isn’t getting too comfortable.
"We still have a quarter of the season to go, which is a gentle reminder that there’s a lot of racing ahead. I’m looking forward to what’s to come and seeing what we can achieve in the final six rounds of the season."
With the Constructors’ Championship secured, the focus now shifts to the Drivers’ Championship, with Norris and Piastri separated by just 22 points with six rounds to go – including three sprint races – ensuring the excitement in the papaya garage is far from over.
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