McLaren's Unstoppable Rise: Brown Credits Culture and Unity for Back-to-Back Titles

McLaren is celebrating an unprecedented back-to-back Constructors’ Championship in 2025, marking their first consecutive titles since 1991. CEO Zak Brown attributes this incredible turnaround from 2023's struggles to the team's 'culture and unity,' emphasizing that these intangible assets, alongside fan and partner support, are the true drivers of their recent dominance.

Why it matters:

McLaren's journey from back-of-the-grid struggles in 2023 to securing consecutive Constructors' Championships by 2025 highlights one of F1's most dramatic turnarounds. This resurgence is not just a testament to their engineering prowess but also to the foundational strength of team cohesion and strategic leadership. It redefines what's possible for a team committed to internal growth and a unified vision, challenging rivals to look beyond technical specifications for sustained success.

The Details:

• Historic Turnaround: McLaren transformed from a struggling team in early 2023 to a dominant force, achieving their first consecutive Constructors' Championships since 1991.
• Brown's Core Belief: Zak Brown explicitly credits the team's 'culture and unity' as the primary assets fueling their success.
• Impressive Statistics (since 2018's 'papaya era'):
  • 18 Pole Positions
  • 19 Victories
  • 67 Podiums
  • 9 One-Two Finishes
  • Back-to-back Constructors' Championships (2024 & 2025)
• Driver Perspectives:
  • Lando Norris: Expressed immense satisfaction with the 'incredible, dominant car' (MCL39) provided by the team, emphasizing the joy of driving it and celebrating with the MTC team.
  • Oscar Piastri: Highlighted the 'impressive' progress and 'dominant seasons' achieved, acknowledging the team effort required to consistently fight at the front. He also noted the ongoing Drivers' Championship battle, keeping focus on the remaining races.

What's next:

With the Constructors' Championship secured, McLaren's internal battle for the Drivers' Championship intensifies. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are separated by just 22 points with six rounds remaining, including three sprint races. This close contest promises further excitement and internal competition, demonstrating the strength in depth of McLaren's driver lineup. The focus will now shift to individual glory while maintaining the 'culture and unity' that propelled them to team success.

Between the lines:

While technical upgrades and strategic decisions are crucial, Brown's emphasis on 'culture and unity' suggests a deeper understanding of sustainable success in Formula 1. This intangible factor creates a resilient environment where talent can thrive and setbacks can be overcome. It implies that McLaren's current dominance is not just a flash in the pan but built on a robust organizational foundation designed for long-term competitiveness.