BARRETTO: McLaren have gone from backmarkers to title contenders in less than a year – how have they done it?


Before McLaren’s 1000-strong staff flicked on their 'out of office’ messages and set their batteries to recharge mode for Formula 1’s mandatory two-week summer shutdown, they congregated en masse on the boulevard that overlooks a serene lake and the Surrey countryside at their Woking HQ to share a champagne toast.
Their haul of 14 trophies (12 driver podiums and two pieces of silverware as the winning constructor) from 2024 were displayed on a series of plinths to show in real terms just how far McLaren have come from the dark days of 2019, when they finished ninth in the constructors’ championship.

Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free.
Membership gets you closer with:
Curated insider content
Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences
Member benefits, rewards and offers
Next Up
Related Articles
‘It’s been an honour’ says Horner after Red Bull exit
Alonso rues ‘very wrong’ strategy calls at Silverstone
Hamilton admits Ferrari was ‘very hard to drive’ at Silverstone
‘We deserved more’ – Ocon reflects on collision with Bearman
Drivers react to Hulkenberg’s maiden podium
The key stats from Horner’s time as Red Bull team boss