McLaren Chief Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Gil de Ferran Amidst Championship Celebrations

Following a triumphant Singapore Grand Prix campaign, McLaren secured the 2025 Constructors' Championship. Amidst the celebrations, Chief Operating Officer Piers Thynne delivered a moving tribute to his late colleague, Gil de Ferran, crediting him for laying the cultural foundation of their success.

Why it matters:

McLaren's return to championship contention, marked by their 2025 Constructors' title, is a significant milestone. Thynne's heartfelt toast highlights the enduring impact of Gil de Ferran, whose philosophical contributions and belief in the team's potential are seen as instrumental in shaping their recent success. It underscores the importance of culture and leadership in fostering a winning environment, even years after an individual's direct involvement.

The details:

• Championship Victory: McLaren clinched the 2025 Constructors' Championship after a strong performance at the Singapore Grand Prix.
• Emotional Tribute: In a video shared on X, Piers Thynne, McLaren's COO, addressed staff, recalling a poignant conversation with Gil de Ferran.
• De Ferran's 'Recipe': Thynne quoted de Ferran, who told him, "Piers, what is absolutely fantastic is this team has all of the ingredients to get it right. All you need to do is get the recipe right." Thynne then thanked the team for 'getting the recipe right' not only last year but also this year.
• Acknowledged Contribution: De Ferran, who passed away in 2023 at 56, served as McLaren's sporting director and later as an adviser. His input is now widely recognized as a key factor in the team's resurgence.
• Team's Current Success: This season has seen significant victories for McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. McLaren currently leads Mercedes by 325 points in the standings.
• Driver Standings: While Piastri leads Norris by a mere 22 points, both drivers are comfortably ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, with Norris 41 points clear.

The big picture:

Gil de Ferran's philosophy, centered on perfecting the 'recipe' for success, clearly resonated deeply within McLaren. His vision for the team, even before his passing, provided a guiding principle that appears to have galvanized the squad. This championship win isn't just about technical advancements; it's also a testament to the cultural groundwork laid by figures like de Ferran, emphasizing that a winning mindset is as crucial as engineering prowess.

What's next:

As McLaren celebrates its 2025 Constructors' Championship, the team will need to 'evolve that recipe' for the next era of Formula 1, as Thynne alluded. The immediate future will see the intense battle between Piastri and Norris for the Drivers' Championship continue, while the team focuses on maintaining its competitive edge against rivals for seasons to come. De Ferran's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire as McLaren aims to solidify its position at the top.