McLaren's 2025 season is on track to be one of the most successful in Formula 1 history. With Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris dominating, a drivers' and constructors' championship double appears almost certain. The team is now eyeing several significant F1 records in the 10 races remaining after the summer break.
Why it matters
McLaren's return to the top is a major story in F1, and their potential to rewrite the record books highlights their formidable performance this season. Clinching the constructors' title early would be a powerful statement.
When Could McLaren Clinch the Constructors' Title?
- Early Clinch Possible: McLaren is poised to secure their 10th constructors' crown significantly earlier than in 2024. They currently hold a massive 299-point lead over Ferrari.
- Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Mathematically, the earliest McLaren could retain the constructors' title is at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 21, the third race after the summer break. To do so, they would need to be 346 points ahead of the second-placed team by the end of that weekend, requiring an additional 47 points over their current lead.
- Feasible Scenario: Given McLaren increased their lead by 94 points in the three non-Sprint weekends before the break, achieving this margin in Baku is certainly conceivable. Three 1-2 finishes in the next three races (Zandvoort, Monza, Baku) would guarantee a coronation in Baku.
- Singapore Back-up: If their rate of gains slows, McLaren could still clinch the title in Singapore, needing only a 303-point lead – just four points more than their current advantage.
What Records Could McLaren Break?
McLaren is in contention to break several F1 records this season:
- Most Races Left When Clinching Constructors' Title: If McLaren secures the title in Baku (the 17th round), they would become champions with seven race weekends remaining, surpassing Red Bull's 2023 record of six.
- Consecutive 1-2 Race Finishes: McLaren concluded the first half of the season with four consecutive 1-2 finishes, matching their 1988 best. They can equal the outright F1 record of five 1-2s (shared by Ferrari and Mercedes) at Zandvoort, and potentially set a new record at Monza.
- Most Points in a Season: With 559 points currently, McLaren could break Red Bull's 2023 record of 860 points. Their current average of 39.9 points per race, sustained over the remaining 10 rounds, would see them exceed 900 points.
- Largest Constructors' Winning Margin: McLaren's substantial lead puts them in a strong position to surpass Red Bull's 2023 record of 451 points.
- Most Podiums in a Season: With 24 podiums already and 20 still available for a McLaren car, the team needs only nine more to exceed Mercedes' 2016 record of 33 podiums. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have failed to finish on the podium only twice each this season.
- Most Fastest Laps in a Season: McLaren has nine fastest laps this season. While bonus points for fastest laps have lessened their significance, they have a chance to secure six more to surpass Ferrari's 2004 record of 14.
- Most McLaren Wins in a Season: With 11 wins so far, McLaren is set to achieve more wins in a single campaign than ever before, surpassing their 1988 record of 15 (from 16 races).