McLaren kicked off the 2025 Formula 1 season in commanding fashion, establishing itself as the team to beat after back-to-back victories in the opening races. The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai showcased an impressive one-two finish, with Oscar Piastri taking the checkered flag and Lando Norris securing second place. This result not only underscored the technical superiority of the MCL39 car but also propelled the papaya-colored team to the top of the Constructors’ Championship with a 21-point lead over Mercedes, the closest rival. Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, wasted no time crediting team principal Andrea Stella, dubbing him the “true secret weapon” in a post-race interview.
The Shanghai performance marked McLaren’s 50th one-two finish in Formula 1 history, a milestone reflecting the synergy between its drivers and technical staff. Piastri, starting from his first-ever pole position, led with authority, while Norris displayed resilience in fending off challenges during a race filled with variables like weather shifts and pit-stop strategies. The China win followed Norris’s triumph at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, signaling early on that the MCL39 would be a formidable contender throughout 2025.
Brown emphasized the unity among the drivers, technical leadership, and collective effort as the foundation of this early success. He views Stella’s stability, paired with the skills of Norris and Piastri, as what sets McLaren apart in a fiercely competitive field. The next challenge, the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka from April 4-6, will test whether the team can sustain its blistering pace at the season’s outset.
Two races.
One special team.2/24 complete 🧡 #McLaren pic.twitter.com/N0jvr0697K
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) March 26, 2025
China one-two solidifies McLaren’s early edge
The Shanghai race was a clear demonstration of McLaren’s strength in 2025. Oscar Piastri, at 23 years old, showcased maturity by turning his maiden pole into a commanding victory, maintaining control despite tricky conditions at the Shanghai International Circuit. Lando Norris complemented this with a steady performance, ensuring the team maximized its points haul. This second consecutive win, following Norris’s Melbourne victory, underscored McLaren’s momentum at the championship’s start.
The MCL39, crafted under Andrea Stella’s oversight, has proven a standout from the get-go. Its blend of straight-line speed, efficient aerodynamics, and reliability allowed McLaren to outpace rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari, who have yet to match the British team’s early consistency. The 21-point gap in the Constructors’ Championship after just two races highlights the strides made since McLaren’s 2024 title win, ending a 26-year drought.
Strategy shone in Shanghai as well. Despite tense moments, such as unexpected rain altering the track’s final sector, the team executed precise pit stops and made sharp decisions to keep both cars ahead. Brown praised the collective effort, noting Stella’s technical leadership as pivotal in aligning drivers and engineers for optimal outcomes.
Andrea Stella: the mastermind driving success
Andrea Stella, the Italian engineer who took the helm at McLaren in 2023, has been instrumental in the team’s rise. Under his leadership, McLaren climbed from a mid-tier position early last season to clinch the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, its first since 1998. In 2025, his influence remains undeniable, with the MCL39 showing marked improvements and the drivers delivering steady results in the opening rounds.
Zak Brown didn’t hold back, labeling Stella “the best team principal in Formula 1.” He credits Stella’s ability to unify the technical team and inspire Norris and Piastri as what distinguishes McLaren from its competitors. The stability Stella introduced, with long-term deals for drivers and key staff like Brown himself, reflects a strategic vision already paying dividends on the track.
Stella’s role extends beyond management. His engineering background, honed alongside legends like Michael Schumacher at Ferrari, brings a meticulous edge to car development. In Shanghai, this precision shone through in how the team navigated weather changes and executed a strategy that secured the one-two, even under pressure from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Drivers in sync: Norris and Piastri’s strength
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri form a duo blending experience with youth, a dynamic McLaren has leveraged expertly in 2025. Norris, in his seventh Formula 1 season, is hitting his prime after challenging Verstappen for the 2024 drivers’ title. His Melbourne win and Shanghai runner-up finish signal his readiness to lead the team toward further glory.
Piastri, meanwhile, is dazzling in his third year. The Australian, with prior wins in Hungary and Azerbaijan in 2024, took a leap forward by claiming pole and victory in Shanghai. His consistency and ability to learn from Norris make him a formidable teammate. Brown highlighted their camaraderie, noting that despite on-track rivalry, they collaborate to push McLaren’s performance higher.
Their bond shone in a lighthearted moment post-China race. In the cooldown room, Norris and Piastri were caught joking about Stella’s reaction to a track incident, mimicking their boss with grins. This off-track harmony mirrors the trust they place in the team’s direction and leadership.
Key moments from the Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix tested McLaren’s mettle with shifting conditions that challenged both drivers and strategists. Piastri started up front and held firm after a clean restart, while Norris fended off Verstappen’s pressure to lock in second. Late-race rain in the final sector nearly upended the result, but swift pit-stop reactions kept the team in control.
This one-two was McLaren’s 50th in Formula 1, placing it among icons like Ferrari and Williams in historic achievements. The flawless pit-stop execution under high-stakes conditions stood out, with Brown citing it as proof of the team’s seamless work from mechanics to trackside engineers.
- Perfect start: Piastri turned pole into a first-lap lead.
- Rain mastery: Norris and Piastri stayed composed in wet conditions.
- Sharp strategy: Timely pit stops preserved the lead over rivals.
A car built to win
Unveiled in Silverstone in early February, the MCL39 is the core of McLaren’s 2025 success. Designed with an aggressive approach, it builds on the 2024 championship-winning car, with upgrades in aerodynamics and performance across varied circuits making it a versatile powerhouse, excelling in both Melbourne and Shanghai.
Pre-season testing in Bahrain hinted at the MCL39’s potential, but its true strength emerged in races. Its straight-line speed and cornering stability let Norris and Piastri push limits without sacrificing reliability. Stella stressed that maintaining this edge through the season is key, especially as rivals roll out upgrades.
McLaren’s productive off-season paid off. While others fine-tuned their cars, the papaya team hit Australia with a race-ready package, an advantage sustained in China. This technical consistency stems from Stella’s crew, who’ve turned McLaren into a dominant force.
Road to Suzuka
With two wins in two races, McLaren heads to the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka as the favorite. The track’s demanding corners, like the 130R and Esses, will challenge the MCL39 and the team’s ability to maintain momentum. Set for April 4-6, the race could widen the Constructors’ lead over Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari.
Norris and Piastri exude confidence in the car’s adaptability across circuits. Suzuka’s mix of high-speed and technical sections offers a chance to prove McLaren’s versatility beyond specific track types. Brown reiterated the need for focus, aware the season is still young.
Prep for Japan is underway, with the team dissecting Shanghai data to tweak the MCL39 for Suzuka’s layout. Expectations are high for McLaren to keep up its strong starts and solid strategies, a hallmark of its 2025 campaign so far.
Stats that stand out
McLaren’s 2025 numbers impress. After two races, the team holds 78 points in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of Mercedes’ 57. Norris tops the drivers’ standings with 44 points, while Piastri sits fourth with 34, trailing Verstappen (36) and George Russell (35). The duo’s reliability sets them apart in a tight field.
The China one-two added to McLaren’s legacy. As the 50th time the team secured both top spots, it cements its status as Formula 1’s second-oldest outfit, behind only Ferrari in races run. Since Bruce McLaren founded it in 1963, the team’s storied past is shining anew.
- Constructors’ points: 78 (McLaren) vs. 57 (Mercedes).
- 2025 wins: 2 (Norris in Australia, Piastri in China).
- Historic one-twos: 50 in Formula 1.
Upcoming race schedule
The 2025 Formula 1 season moves fast, and McLaren faces key tests ahead. Here’s the lineup of upcoming races to gauge the team’s strength:
- Japanese Grand Prix: April 4-6, Suzuka.
- Miami Grand Prix: May 2-4, United States.
- Monaco Grand Prix: May 23-25, Monte Carlo.
Each race brings unique demands, requiring MCL39 tweaks and quick decisions from Stella’s squad. Suzuka tests endurance, while Monaco calls for precision on tight streets.
Harmony and rivalry in the cockpit
The Norris-Piastri partnership anchors McLaren’s success. Unlike duos plagued by internal friction, they share mutual respect and a constructive rivalry. Norris, the veteran, guides Piastri, who in turn pushes the Brit to new heights with every race.
This dynamic played out in China, where they celebrated with humor. Their cooldown room antics—Norris mimicking Stella as Piastri laughed—show the competition’s pressure doesn’t fracture their unity. Brown called this bond a cornerstone of the team’s focus.
McLaren boasts two race-winning drivers in 2025. Norris chases the drivers’ title that slipped away in 2024, while Piastri’s Shanghai showing marks him as a rising threat. Their talent and teamwork could clinch the constructors’ repeat.
Challenges on the horizon
Despite the hot start, McLaren knows the season’s road is long and treacherous. Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes are crafting car updates, and the 21-point constructors’ lead could shrink fast with any misstep. Suzuka looms as the first big post-victory test.
Stella, ever practical, sees the grid’s competitiveness as a call for constant improvement. Shanghai’s rain revealed MCL39 tweaks needed for adverse conditions. The team’s ability to adapt will determine if it holds the lead across 24 races.
Pressure mounts on Norris and Piastri too. Both eye the drivers’ title, which could spark in-team tension if they stay in contention late. Stella’s knack for managing this, preserving harmony, will be as vital as track results.
Building a legacy
McLaren in 2025 isn’t just chasing titles—it’s reviving its storied past. From Bruce McLaren’s founding, through Emerson Fittipaldi’s 1974 crown and the 1980s-90s golden era, the team carries a winning heritage. Today’s triumphs under Brown and Stella honor that history.
The China one-two and Australia win signal McLaren’s return to the pinnacle. For Norris and Piastri, each race is a shot to etch their names in team lore. For Stella, it’s a chance to cement his status as a Formula 1 strategic titan.
The Japanese Grand Prix, the next calendar stop, is another step in this journey. With a dialed-in MCL39 and a tight-knit team, McLaren is poised to keep ruling 2025, though Formula 1’s unpredictability means the bicampeonato fight is just heating up.

McLaren kicked off the 2025 Formula 1 season in commanding fashion, establishing itself as the team to beat after back-to-back victories in the opening races. The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai showcased an impressive one-two finish, with Oscar Piastri taking the checkered flag and Lando Norris securing second place. This result not only underscored the technical superiority of the MCL39 car but also propelled the papaya-colored team to the top of the Constructors’ Championship with a 21-point lead over Mercedes, the closest rival. Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, wasted no time crediting team principal Andrea Stella, dubbing him the “true secret weapon” in a post-race interview.
The Shanghai performance marked McLaren’s 50th one-two finish in Formula 1 history, a milestone reflecting the synergy between its drivers and technical staff. Piastri, starting from his first-ever pole position, led with authority, while Norris displayed resilience in fending off challenges during a race filled with variables like weather shifts and pit-stop strategies. The China win followed Norris’s triumph at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, signaling early on that the MCL39 would be a formidable contender throughout 2025.
Brown emphasized the unity among the drivers, technical leadership, and collective effort as the foundation of this early success. He views Stella’s stability, paired with the skills of Norris and Piastri, as what sets McLaren apart in a fiercely competitive field. The next challenge, the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka from April 4-6, will test whether the team can sustain its blistering pace at the season’s outset.
Two races.
One special team.2/24 complete 🧡 #McLaren pic.twitter.com/N0jvr0697K
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) March 26, 2025
China one-two solidifies McLaren’s early edge
The Shanghai race was a clear demonstration of McLaren’s strength in 2025. Oscar Piastri, at 23 years old, showcased maturity by turning his maiden pole into a commanding victory, maintaining control despite tricky conditions at the Shanghai International Circuit. Lando Norris complemented this with a steady performance, ensuring the team maximized its points haul. This second consecutive win, following Norris’s Melbourne victory, underscored McLaren’s momentum at the championship’s start.
The MCL39, crafted under Andrea Stella’s oversight, has proven a standout from the get-go. Its blend of straight-line speed, efficient aerodynamics, and reliability allowed McLaren to outpace rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari, who have yet to match the British team’s early consistency. The 21-point gap in the Constructors’ Championship after just two races highlights the strides made since McLaren’s 2024 title win, ending a 26-year drought.
Strategy shone in Shanghai as well. Despite tense moments, such as unexpected rain altering the track’s final sector, the team executed precise pit stops and made sharp decisions to keep both cars ahead. Brown praised the collective effort, noting Stella’s technical leadership as pivotal in aligning drivers and engineers for optimal outcomes.
Andrea Stella: the mastermind driving success
Andrea Stella, the Italian engineer who took the helm at McLaren in 2023, has been instrumental in the team’s rise. Under his leadership, McLaren climbed from a mid-tier position early last season to clinch the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, its first since 1998. In 2025, his influence remains undeniable, with the MCL39 showing marked improvements and the drivers delivering steady results in the opening rounds.
Zak Brown didn’t hold back, labeling Stella “the best team principal in Formula 1.” He credits Stella’s ability to unify the technical team and inspire Norris and Piastri as what distinguishes McLaren from its competitors. The stability Stella introduced, with long-term deals for drivers and key staff like Brown himself, reflects a strategic vision already paying dividends on the track.
Stella’s role extends beyond management. His engineering background, honed alongside legends like Michael Schumacher at Ferrari, brings a meticulous edge to car development. In Shanghai, this precision shone through in how the team navigated weather changes and executed a strategy that secured the one-two, even under pressure from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Drivers in sync: Norris and Piastri’s strength
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri form a duo blending experience with youth, a dynamic McLaren has leveraged expertly in 2025. Norris, in his seventh Formula 1 season, is hitting his prime after challenging Verstappen for the 2024 drivers’ title. His Melbourne win and Shanghai runner-up finish signal his readiness to lead the team toward further glory.
Piastri, meanwhile, is dazzling in his third year. The Australian, with prior wins in Hungary and Azerbaijan in 2024, took a leap forward by claiming pole and victory in Shanghai. His consistency and ability to learn from Norris make him a formidable teammate. Brown highlighted their camaraderie, noting that despite on-track rivalry, they collaborate to push McLaren’s performance higher.
Their bond shone in a lighthearted moment post-China race. In the cooldown room, Norris and Piastri were caught joking about Stella’s reaction to a track incident, mimicking their boss with grins. This off-track harmony mirrors the trust they place in the team’s direction and leadership.
Key moments from the Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix tested McLaren’s mettle with shifting conditions that challenged both drivers and strategists. Piastri started up front and held firm after a clean restart, while Norris fended off Verstappen’s pressure to lock in second. Late-race rain in the final sector nearly upended the result, but swift pit-stop reactions kept the team in control.
This one-two was McLaren’s 50th in Formula 1, placing it among icons like Ferrari and Williams in historic achievements. The flawless pit-stop execution under high-stakes conditions stood out, with Brown citing it as proof of the team’s seamless work from mechanics to trackside engineers.
- Perfect start: Piastri turned pole into a first-lap lead.
- Rain mastery: Norris and Piastri stayed composed in wet conditions.
- Sharp strategy: Timely pit stops preserved the lead over rivals.
A car built to win
Unveiled in Silverstone in early February, the MCL39 is the core of McLaren’s 2025 success. Designed with an aggressive approach, it builds on the 2024 championship-winning car, with upgrades in aerodynamics and performance across varied circuits making it a versatile powerhouse, excelling in both Melbourne and Shanghai.
Pre-season testing in Bahrain hinted at the MCL39’s potential, but its true strength emerged in races. Its straight-line speed and cornering stability let Norris and Piastri push limits without sacrificing reliability. Stella stressed that maintaining this edge through the season is key, especially as rivals roll out upgrades.
McLaren’s productive off-season paid off. While others fine-tuned their cars, the papaya team hit Australia with a race-ready package, an advantage sustained in China. This technical consistency stems from Stella’s crew, who’ve turned McLaren into a dominant force.
Road to Suzuka
With two wins in two races, McLaren heads to the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka as the favorite. The track’s demanding corners, like the 130R and Esses, will challenge the MCL39 and the team’s ability to maintain momentum. Set for April 4-6, the race could widen the Constructors’ lead over Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari.
Norris and Piastri exude confidence in the car’s adaptability across circuits. Suzuka’s mix of high-speed and technical sections offers a chance to prove McLaren’s versatility beyond specific track types. Brown reiterated the need for focus, aware the season is still young.
Prep for Japan is underway, with the team dissecting Shanghai data to tweak the MCL39 for Suzuka’s layout. Expectations are high for McLaren to keep up its strong starts and solid strategies, a hallmark of its 2025 campaign so far.
Stats that stand out
McLaren’s 2025 numbers impress. After two races, the team holds 78 points in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of Mercedes’ 57. Norris tops the drivers’ standings with 44 points, while Piastri sits fourth with 34, trailing Verstappen (36) and George Russell (35). The duo’s reliability sets them apart in a tight field.
The China one-two added to McLaren’s legacy. As the 50th time the team secured both top spots, it cements its status as Formula 1’s second-oldest outfit, behind only Ferrari in races run. Since Bruce McLaren founded it in 1963, the team’s storied past is shining anew.
- Constructors’ points: 78 (McLaren) vs. 57 (Mercedes).
- 2025 wins: 2 (Norris in Australia, Piastri in China).
- Historic one-twos: 50 in Formula 1.
Upcoming race schedule
The 2025 Formula 1 season moves fast, and McLaren faces key tests ahead. Here’s the lineup of upcoming races to gauge the team’s strength:
- Japanese Grand Prix: April 4-6, Suzuka.
- Miami Grand Prix: May 2-4, United States.
- Monaco Grand Prix: May 23-25, Monte Carlo.
Each race brings unique demands, requiring MCL39 tweaks and quick decisions from Stella’s squad. Suzuka tests endurance, while Monaco calls for precision on tight streets.
Harmony and rivalry in the cockpit
The Norris-Piastri partnership anchors McLaren’s success. Unlike duos plagued by internal friction, they share mutual respect and a constructive rivalry. Norris, the veteran, guides Piastri, who in turn pushes the Brit to new heights with every race.
This dynamic played out in China, where they celebrated with humor. Their cooldown room antics—Norris mimicking Stella as Piastri laughed—show the competition’s pressure doesn’t fracture their unity. Brown called this bond a cornerstone of the team’s focus.
McLaren boasts two race-winning drivers in 2025. Norris chases the drivers’ title that slipped away in 2024, while Piastri’s Shanghai showing marks him as a rising threat. Their talent and teamwork could clinch the constructors’ repeat.
Challenges on the horizon
Despite the hot start, McLaren knows the season’s road is long and treacherous. Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes are crafting car updates, and the 21-point constructors’ lead could shrink fast with any misstep. Suzuka looms as the first big post-victory test.
Stella, ever practical, sees the grid’s competitiveness as a call for constant improvement. Shanghai’s rain revealed MCL39 tweaks needed for adverse conditions. The team’s ability to adapt will determine if it holds the lead across 24 races.
Pressure mounts on Norris and Piastri too. Both eye the drivers’ title, which could spark in-team tension if they stay in contention late. Stella’s knack for managing this, preserving harmony, will be as vital as track results.
Building a legacy
McLaren in 2025 isn’t just chasing titles—it’s reviving its storied past. From Bruce McLaren’s founding, through Emerson Fittipaldi’s 1974 crown and the 1980s-90s golden era, the team carries a winning heritage. Today’s triumphs under Brown and Stella honor that history.
The China one-two and Australia win signal McLaren’s return to the pinnacle. For Norris and Piastri, each race is a shot to etch their names in team lore. For Stella, it’s a chance to cement his status as a Formula 1 strategic titan.
The Japanese Grand Prix, the next calendar stop, is another step in this journey. With a dialed-in MCL39 and a tight-knit team, McLaren is poised to keep ruling 2025, though Formula 1’s unpredictability means the bicampeonato fight is just heating up.
