McLaren outline clear future F1 plan

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has outlined a clear plan for the future of the Woking-based outfit, following so much recent success. 

The British team has been on a staggering rise since introducing a substantial upgrade ahead of the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix, with McLaren having continued to make progress ever since. 

It recovered from an initial slow start to the 2024 season to overcome Red Bull, securing its first constructors' title since 1998. 

This year, the papaya squad has gone from strength to strength with the MCL39, winning nine of the opening 12 rounds. As a result, a remarkable 238-point lead has been built in the standings, with a title defence looking increasingly likely. 

McLaren hold a similar dominance in the F1 drivers' title, where Oscar Piastri has a 8-point advantage over Lando Norris – Max Verstappen in third is 69 points adrift. 

However, 2026 represents a reset in the pinnacle of motorsport, with the introduction of the new power unit regulations. Despite the unknown surrounding it, Stella has a clear target for the future of the team.

When asked by Martin Brundle at McLaren Racing Live what McLaren's plan is for the future, Stella answered: "Well, Martin, you mentioned a word that is so, so important for me, personally and for the McLaren Formula 1 team, which is legacy. Legacy, like we continue the work that some great people have started before us. 

"You mentioned Bruce McLaren and the likes of Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, all the success and the trophies that we have in the cabinet at the MTC in Woking for us is so important. We feel so privileged. 

"We feel the responsibility of carrying forward this legacy, and for us, it's just an incredible moment when we see that we are capable of adding trophies to the cabinet, and we have added so many trophies recently that we will have to increase the cabinet, we have to make a bigger cabinet. 

"So, this is one thing that, for me personally, is huge joy, thinking that we are contributing to the legacy and the intent, the objective, the mission, is very clear. We want to continue adding many trophies to the cabinet. We want to continue adding success to the legacy of McLaren for the years to come. That's our mission."