With McLaren’s Title, Is F1 Getting Its Head Back on Straight?

Seeing a lemonade seller become a Formula 1 World Champion was enough to make some wince. McLaren has reset the narrative.

By winning the 2024 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, McLaren ended Red Bull Racing’s dominance—well, almost, as nothing prevented the powerhouse Max Verstappen from being crowned for the fourth time in the drivers’ standings. This victory symbolizes far more than a simple trophy; it signifies the rebirth of a historic team and the return to the top of the “true” automakers with Ferrari’s second place.

Since entering Formula 1 in 2005, Red Bull Racing has established itself as an unstoppable force. With six Constructors’ World Champion titles (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2022, and 2023), the Austrian team has dominated two key periods: the era of V8 naturally aspirated engines and, more recently, the very last hybrid era. Despite not producing road cars, Red Bull has redefined what a standalone F1 team can achieve. Since the introduction of the hybrid era in 2014, F1 has been largely dominated by two teams: Mercedes, which reigned from 2014 to 2021, and Red Bull, which took the titles in 2022 and 2023. McLaren, which had its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, is now returning to its top-tier status thanks to a technically advanced car and high-performing drivers.

This victory is also significant from an industrial perspective. Red Bull, while formidable on the track, has never produced a road car, unlike McLaren, whose motorsport legacy continues in the automotive industry. This distinction highlights a paradox: McLaren’s victory embodies the triumph of a team both on and off the track, demonstrating complete mastery of automotive engineering… except for the engine, which is a Mercedes block! But it doesn’t matter—on Monday, everyone wants to buy the car that won on Sunday.

Regardless, for Formula 1, this upheaval is a boon. McLaren gives hope to all existing teams dreaming of a spot in the sun and can only motivate newcomers in 2026, such as Audi and GM. More than ever, F1 proves it is a sport where innovation, resilience, and passion can triumph over the greatest challenges… and an energy drink.

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