McLaren

McLaren are one of F1's legendary teams, with 13 drivers' championships to their name.

McLaren in 2026

McLaren will have a target on their back as the team to beat heading into F1 2026. 

2025 proved to be McLaren's most successful F1 season in the modern era as the British squad won 14 of the 24 races.

Lando Norris prevailed to win his maiden drivers' world title, while McLaren successfully defended their constructors' crown. 

Despite plenty of unknowns, McLaren will likely start the new season as favourites. 

McLaren's F1 History

McLaren’s F1 history is decorated, stretching back to the 1960s with Bruce McLaren - only Ferrari have competed in more F1 grands prix. McLaren’s early years resulted in occasional wins, ultimately culminating in their first title triumph in 1974.

Emerson Fittipaldi became McLaren’s first F1 world champion in 1974, finishing three points ahead of Clay Regazzoni. James Hunt added to McLaren’s title success in 1976.

McLaren’s greatest years came in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly with Honda. Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won six titles between 1985 and 1991. McLaren’s form dipped following the departure of Honda and then Senna.

Their next alliance, this time with Mercedes, proved fruitful as Mika Hakkinen added two more titles to the team’s trophy cabinet. They went close in 2003 and 2005 with Kimi Raikkonen, before Lewis Hamilton won the 2008 title at the expense of Ferrari’s Felipe Massa.

Hamilton’s departure at the end of 2012 resulted in another dip in form, with McLaren winning once between 2012 and 2023. Their partnership with Honda between 2015 and 2017 was a complete failure, and they’ve been on a slow recovery since then.

Under Zak Brown’s leadership, McLaren’s resurgence has been impressive, culminating in their first F1 constructors’ championship in over 25 years in 2024. 

McLaren followed this up with world championship double in 2025.