All you need to know about F1 team McLaren

One of the most iconic names in Formula 1, McLaren has a rich legacy in the sport that spans over five decades. Originally founded in 1963 by New Zealander Bruce McLaren, the team entered F1 in 1966. Over the years, McLaren has become synonymous with speed, innovation, and fierce rivalries. The name McLaren Mercedes refers specifically to the period when Mercedes-Benz supplied engines to the team. This partnership began in 1995 and ran until 2014, yielding some of McLaren’s most successful years. After a stint with Honda and Renault, McLaren rejoined forces with Mercedes in 2021, and they currently run under the official name McLaren F1 Team, powered by Mercedes engines.

The legacy of team McLaren in F1

McLaren has produced some of the greatest F1 champions, including Ayrton Senna who won the World Championship in three consecutive seasons, from 1988 to 1990 with McLaren. More names in the McLaren list includes Alain Prost who won the World Championship in 1985, 1986, and 1989 respectively and Mika Hakkinen who was the World Champion in 1998 and 1999. More recently, Lewis Hamilton, who is currently headlining Ferrari, won his first title with McLaren in 2008. 

In total, McLaren has claimed 8 Constructors’ Championships and 12 Drivers’ Championships. McLaren was the first team to introduce carbon fibre chassis in 1981, revolutionizing car safety and design. The team's 1988 season, with Senna and Prost, remains legendary with 15 wins in 16 races. A blot in the otherwise shining legacy, in the late 2000s, McLaren was part of an infamous “Spygate” controversy, leading to a $100 million fine.

Current line-up of McLaren

McLaren Mercedes is currently headlined by Lando Norris. A fan-favourite and consistent performer, Norris has been with McLaren since 2019. Lando Norris was the one to finally end a long-extended title drought, winning the Constructors’ Championship in 2024 for the first time since 1988. In the ongoing 2025 season, Norris has accumulated 89 points, behind just his team mate, Oscar Piastri in the standings.

Oscar Piastri joined the team in 2023 and has quickly made a name for himself. The latest achievement includes Piastri picking the title victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix over Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. The Australian prodigy currently leads the drivers’ standings with 99 points while McLaren leads the team standings with 188 points, followed by Mercedes.

Recent Form

Oscar Piastri lights up the streets in Jeddah in the @aramco Power Rankings 💪#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/B3GGM9imnz

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 22, 2025

McLaren struggled during the mid-2010s but has made steady progress since 2019. In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, they scored multiple podiums and were strong contenders behind Red Bull and Ferrari. The team continues to develop under CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella, with high hopes for future championship contention.