McLaren: “Always Our Priority” is the Constructors’ Title
In a recent statement, McLaren Racing reaffirmed its unrelenting focus on securing the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, calling it “always our priority” as the team gears up for the 2024 season. The iconic British team, which has a storied history in motorsport, has been steadily climbing the ranks in recent years, with a renewed sense of purpose underlined by the performance of its new car and talented driver line-up.
McLaren’s resurgence in Formula 1 has been fueled by a series of strategic decisions, technological upgrades, and a strong partnership with their engine supplier, Mercedes. After a turbulent period in the early 2020s, which saw them struggling with consistency, the team appears to have found its stride, consistently battling for podium finishes in the last two seasons.
Speaking at a recent press event, McLaren’s Team Principal, Andrea Stella, made it clear that despite their improved form, the ultimate goal for the team remains the Constructors’ Championship—a title that McLaren has not won since 1998. “Our focus has always been on the Constructors’ title. It’s not just a statement, but the cornerstone of our approach,” Stella said. “As much as individual accolades, such as driver championships, are important, the Constructors’ Championship is the culmination of the entire team’s hard work across every department, and it signifies sustained success at the highest level of motorsport.”
This priority on the Constructors’ title highlights McLaren’s shift toward a more holistic, team-oriented approach. Unlike in previous years, when the team may have focused more on individual driver performances, McLaren now emphasizes synergy between all aspects of the team, from engineering and strategy to driver performance. This mindset has helped McLaren emerge as one of the most competitive teams on the grid, with significant progress shown in their technical partnerships, particularly with Mercedes.
Driver Lando Norris, who has been with McLaren since his F1 debut, echoed the sentiments of his team principal. “As drivers, we always strive to win races and championships, but the Constructors’ Championship is a reflection of the team’s overall performance,” said Norris. “It’s a title that speaks to our progress as a team. Of course, I want to fight for the World Drivers’ Championship, but that can only happen if the car is strong enough to contend for the top position. The Constructors’ title, for me, is the ultimate goal, as it’s what gives everyone a sense of fulfillment.”
McLaren’s commitment to the Constructors’ Championship is not just about securing hardware but also about securing long-term growth. With a well-balanced and competitive car, a strong driver pairing of Norris and Australian rookie Oscar Piastri, and an increasingly cohesive strategy, McLaren looks poised to challenge the traditional heavyweights of Formula 1—such as Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes—for the top honors.
However, the road to the Constructors’ title will not be easy. The competition in Formula 1 is fiercer than ever, with defending champions Red Bull leading the charge with a dominant car in recent seasons. Nevertheless, McLaren’s upward trajectory, coupled with their unwavering commitment to team success, makes them one of the most exciting teams to watch heading into the 2024 season and beyond.
As McLaren heads into the new season, the message is clear: while individual accolades will always be a part of Formula 1, the Constructors’ Championship remains the true benchmark of success. For McLaren, this title is more than just a goal—it is a statement of the team’s legacy and future ambitions in the sport.