British · 1966–present
McLaren
McLaren F1 Team
- Constructor titles
- 10
- Driver titles
- 13
- Founded
- 1963
- Team principal
- Andrea Stella
- Base
- Woking, Surrey, England
2026 Racing Lineup
Elite drivers representing McLaren in championship battle
#1
Lando Norris
British
#81
Oscar Piastri
Australian
Foundation & Early Years
McLaren was founded in 1963 by New Zealander Bruce McLaren. Originally established as Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd, the team made its Formula 1 debut in 1966. Bruce McLaren's vision was to create a racing team that combined innovative engineering with competitive spirit, laying the foundation for what would become one of Formula 1's most successful and iconic teams.
Team History & Evolution
McLaren's journey began with Bruce McLaren's passion for racing and engineering excellence. The team's early years were marked by steady progress and innovative car design. Tragically, Bruce McLaren was killed in a testing accident in 1970, but his legacy lived on through the team he created.
The 1970s saw McLaren establish itself as a force in Formula 1, securing its first Constructors' Championship in 1974 and the Drivers' title with Emerson Fittipaldi. The partnership with Marlboro began that year.
The 1980s and early 1990s represented McLaren's golden era. Under Ron Dennis and drivers like Niki Lauda, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, McLaren dominated, particularly during the McLaren-Honda era (notably the MP4/4 in 1988) which delivered multiple titles.
The Mercedes-Benz engine partnership from 1995 to 2014 yielded championship wins with Mika Häkkinen (1998–1999) and Lewis Hamilton (2008). After a challenging period in the mid‑2010s (including struggles during the Honda alliance), McLaren switched to Renault and later returned to Mercedes power units.
With Andreas Seidl and later Andrea Stella at the helm, the team rebuilt its competitiveness. McLaren won the Constructors' Championship again in 2024—its first since 1998—under Stella’s leadership, confirming its return to the front of the grid in the 2020s.
Iconic Moments
1974
First Championship Victory
McLaren secured their first Constructors' Championship with Emerson Fittipaldi winning the Drivers' title, establishing the team as a major force in Formula 1.
1988
The Perfect Season
The McLaren MP4/4 with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won 15 out of 16 races, one of the most dominant seasons in F1 history.
1991
Senna's Masterpiece at Brazil
Ayrton Senna’s emotional victory at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, driving with gear problems, became legendary.
1998
Häkkinen's Double Championship
Mika Häkkinen’s back-to-back titles and McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship marked the peak of McLaren–Mercedes success.
2008
Hamilton's Dramatic Title
Lewis Hamilton won his first championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix, overtaking Timo Glock on the final corner to clinch the title.
2024
Return to Championship Glory
McLaren won the Constructors' Championship for the first time since 1998, driven by a dominant season with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
