2024 was a transformative year for McLaren, one that marked the return of the iconic British team to the frontlines of Formula 1 after years of struggling in the midfield. After a decade of financial turmoil, lackluster performance, and getting stuck in the dreaded 4th and 5th positions of the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren managed to secure an unexpected and much-needed victory. But that triumph in 2024 wasn’t just about securing a win; it was a sign of a team finally finding its way out of the long-standing malaise that had characterized its performance for years.
For so long, McLaren seemed destined to live in the shadow of more successful teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari. The once-great team found themselves trapped in a cycle of unrealistic five-year plans that promised a return to glory but ultimately fell short. Year after year, McLaren made incremental gains, but these always seemed to fizzle out by the third season, leaving them in that no-man’s land where former champions languish—just close enough to be hopeful but never enough to challenge the top teams for dominance.
However, 2024 saw McLaren make a breakthrough. Against all odds, the team managed to secure the Constructors’ Championship, shocking the F1 world by toppling the seemingly unstoppable Red Bull Racing. It was a long-awaited achievement that signified a new era for the team, and while the victory was sweet, McLaren has no intention of resting on their laurels. Now, they have set their sights on securing the ultimate prize—the Drivers’ Championship.
But there’s a significant challenge in front of them: how to manage their two star drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, without repeating the mistakes that have tripped up many teams in the past. In 2024, McLaren faced serious internal challenges regarding team orders, and as they look ahead to 2025, the team has announced they are implementing a new strategy to better manage this delicate balance.
For McLaren, 2024 wasn’t just about making gains on the track—it was also about managing their growing internal competition. With two highly talented drivers in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the team’s performance on the track was as much about collaboration as it was about competition. While both drivers had their moments of brilliance, the increasing tension between the two for supremacy within the team became apparent.
At several races, team orders were invoked to ensure that one driver was able to finish ahead of the other, but these orders weren’t always well received. Norris, with his more seasoned experience, often found himself in the more favorable position, but Piastri, the rookie, showed flashes of raw speed that made the situation even more delicate. The resulting tension sometimes affected the team’s overall performance, leaving McLaren in a precarious position where managing driver dynamics became just as important as managing the car itself.
While team orders are a regular part of F1 strategy, the challenge lies in executing them in a way that doesn’t hinder the long-term development of both drivers or cause friction that could harm the team’s atmosphere. For McLaren, striking that balance between team loyalty and healthy competition was easier said than done, and their internal struggles in 2024 led to some missed opportunities on the track.
McLaren’s new strategy for 2025 promises to address these issues head-on. Rather than simply instructing one driver to move aside for the other when the situation arises, the team has introduced a more transparent and strategic approach to team orders. According to McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, the key will be to encourage healthy competition between Norris and Piastri while making sure that both drivers are working toward a common goal—winning races and, ultimately, the title.
“We want both Lando and Oscar to feel that they have the opportunity to fight for the championship,” Stella explained in a recent interview. “Our job is to create a competitive environment where both drivers can excel, but when the situation calls for it, we’ll implement team orders in a way that benefits the team’s overall championship chances. It’s about clarity, communication, and above all, trust.”
The main feature of McLaren’s updated approach is a system that will allow for more flexible team orders, with specific guidelines in place for when and how they should be used. Unlike the rigid “move aside for your teammate” mentality that has often caused division within teams, McLaren plans to rely more on strategic decision-making to decide when team orders should come into play.
One significant change will be the increased use of data analytics to assess race situations in real time. This will give McLaren’s strategists more accurate insights into how a race is unfolding and whether team orders are necessary to secure a better position for the team. The team has already invested heavily in new technology to ensure that both Norris and Piastri are on equal footing and that their individual performances will be assessed independently of one another, allowing for a fair and unbiased evaluation.
Additionally, McLaren has stated that the team orders will not be used indiscriminately but rather in situations where the overall outcome of the race is at stake. For instance, if one driver has a better chance of securing higher points due to track position or tire strategy, the team may ask the other to hold off or let their teammate pass. However, McLaren is making it clear that it won’t be an automatic order in every scenario—there will be more nuance and flexibility in these decisions.
The big question that remains is whether McLaren’s new strategy will be enough to propel them into championship contention. With the rivalry between Norris and Piastri expected to intensify, McLaren will need to ensure that both drivers are aligned in their ambitions and that the team orders system doesn’t create unnecessary friction. Managing this delicate balance is crucial if McLaren is to successfully challenge for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in 2025.
But with the team’s renewed focus and clear vision, McLaren is clearly determined to make 2025 a year to remember. The blueprint for success is in place, but execution will be the key. If Norris and Piastri can maintain their strong performances while working together as teammates, McLaren could well find themselves in the hunt for the title once again.
As McLaren prepares for the 2025 season, it’s clear that their ambitions are sky-high. With a strategy that encourages healthy competition, effective team orders, and a focused approach, McLaren could finally be ready to take that next step and challenge the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari for the championship. If they can make it work, 2025 might just be the year they break through and cement their place as a true title contender once more.
So, for McLaren fans, the upcoming season couldn’t be more thrilling. With the right blend of competition and strategy, the road to the title is within reach. Keep your eyes on McLaren—2025 could be their year!