McLaren’s stunning rise to the top of Formula 1 might not guarantee future success, according to team boss Andrea Stella, who’s keeping expectations in check for 2025.
Despite clinching the constructors’ championship in 2024, Stella knows just how fragile success can be in F1’s ultra-competitive world.
“It would be incredibly naive to think we deserve future titles just because we won once,” he says. “You have to earn it every single year.”
The numbers tell a fascinating story. McLaren’s margin of victory in 2024 was razor-thin – just 0.04% in performance advantage and a mere 2% lead in the final standings.
That’s the kind of edge that keeps team bosses up at night.
For Stella and his Woking-based team, standing still isn’t an option. While Max Verstappen grabbed his fourth straight drivers’ title in 2024, McLaren’s focus is already on defending their team crown.
The dynamic duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivered McLaren’s first constructors’ title in years. But their boss isn’t making any bold predictions about topping the points table next season.
“If we don’t do better next year, we have to be ready to face a loss,” Stella warns. “And we don’t want that. We want to keep winning.”
It’s a refreshingly honest take from a team boss. In a sport where confidence often borders on arrogance, Stella’s pushing his team to raise the bar even higher.
The real question is: Can McLaren find that extra edge they’ll need to stay ahead of the pack in 2025?
