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- McLaren’s failed Honda partnership from 2015-2017 led to one of the worst periods in the team’s history, plagued by unreliable engines and internal conflicts.
- The team’s resurgence began in 2019 with major management changes, a better technical structure, and a renewed driver lineup.
- By 2024, McLaren won its first Constructors' Championship in 26 years, proving their long-term rebuild had paid off.
Inside McLaren's F1 Rebuild: From Rock Bottom to the Top
A decade ago, McLaren was in crisis. One of Formula 1’s most legendary teams, home to icons like Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, had become an embarrassment on the grid.
In 2015, McLaren reunited with Honda, hoping to recreate their past dominance. Instead, the partnership became a disaster. The Honda engine was underpowered, unreliable, and McLaren’s demands for aggressive aerodynamic packaging made things worse. The result? A season where they finished ninth in the Constructors' Championship—only ahead of the financially doomed Marussia team.
Things only got worse in 2017 when McLaren’s decision to push Honda towards a Mercedes-style turbo layout backfired. The team suffered an embarrassing number of engine failures, leading to harsh criticism from their star driver Fernando Alonso, who famously called the engine a "GP2 engine" at Honda’s home race in Suzuka.
The once-great McLaren was now a laughingstock. The toxicity between McLaren and Honda led to their split in 2018, but that was only part of the problem. McLaren had spent years blaming Honda for their failures, but when they switched to Renault power in 2018, their car was still uncompetitive. It was time for a real change.
The Turning Point: New Leadership, New Direction (2019-2021)
McLaren’s redemption story began with major internal changes. The exit of longtime leader Ron Dennis in 2016 was the first step. His vision had become outdated, and his departure allowed for a complete restructuring of the team.
Zak Brown Steps In
Zak Brown took over as McLaren’s CEO and wasted no time shaking things up. He removed team principal Eric Boullier, restructured the technical team, and most importantly, brought in Andreas Seidl as the new team boss in 2019.
Seidl, who had led Porsche to success in endurance racing, brought discipline and efficiency to McLaren. Under his leadership, McLaren finally acknowledged their own flaws rather than blaming engine suppliers. They focused on improving car development and streamlining operations.
A Fresh Start with Renault
With Honda gone, McLaren used Renault engines in 2019 and immediately saw improvement. Their car was still not title-worthy, but they finished fourth in the Constructors' Championship—far better than their miserable 2015-2017 seasons.
New Driver Lineup: Sainz & Norris Spark the Revival
The 2019 season also introduced a new driver pairing: Carlos Sainz and rookie Lando Norris. Their performances, energy, and camaraderie revitalized the team’s spirit. Sainz secured McLaren’s first podium in five years at the Brazilian Grand Prix, marking a turning point.
The Road Back to the Top (2021-2024)
By 2021, McLaren was ready for the next step—switching to Mercedes power. The move immediately made them more competitive, with Daniel Ricciardo delivering their first race win in nearly a decade at Monza that year.
However, Ricciardo struggled overall, failing to match Norris’ pace consistently. In 2023, McLaren made another bold move—cutting Ricciardo’s contract short and bringing in young Australian talent Oscar Piastri.
Piastri & Norris: A Winning Duo
The combination of Norris and Piastri proved to be a masterstroke. While Red Bull and Max Verstappen remained dominant, McLaren became their closest challenger in 2023. Their consistent performance and strategic brilliance set them up for a historic 2024 season.
The 2024 Constructors' Championship Victory
McLaren’s long-term rebuild finally paid off in 2024. With a strong car, two outstanding drivers, and a refined team structure, they won their first Constructors' Championship since 1998.
Their success was built on:
- A balanced and well-developed car that performed across all track types.
- Efficient pit stops—setting an F1 record with a 1.8-second stop.
- Smart race strategies that maximized points across the season.
For a team that had hit rock bottom in 2015, this was nothing short of a miracle.
Why McLaren's Rebuild Worked
Many F1 teams have collapsed before, but few have managed to recover as well as McLaren. So what made their comeback possible?
1. Smart Leadership
Zak Brown’s aggressive restructuring and decision-making brought McLaren into the modern F1 era. He hired the right people, secured long-term sponsorships, and made strategic driver decisions.
2. Strong Technical Upgrades
Under Andreas Seidl and later Andrea Stella, McLaren modernized their factory, invested in a new wind tunnel, and focused on continuous development rather than short-term fixes.
3. A Winning Team Culture
One of McLaren’s biggest mistakes in the Honda years was arrogance—they believed they were better than they actually were. The new McLaren, under Brown and Stella, emphasized accountability and teamwork. This cultural shift made a massive difference.
4. Stability in Key Areas
McLaren locked in its future by signing Norris and Piastri to long-term deals, securing Mercedes engines until at least 2030, and strengthening its technical staff.
What's Next for McLaren?
Heading into the 2025 season, McLaren is now considered a top team. They have the potential to fight for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships again.
But with the 2026 F1 rule changes approaching, they need to maintain momentum. Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari won’t stand still, and McLaren must continue improving to stay ahead.
After years of struggle, McLaren has finally restored its legacy. Whether they can now dominate for years to come remains to be seen—but one thing’s for sure: they’re back where they belong.
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