McLaren team principal Andrea Stella maintains the "biggest challenge" facing the Woking-based squad is on the horizon, having wrapped up a second successive F1 constructors' championship.
The looming overhaul of F1's chassis and power unit regulations creates considerable uncertainty ahead of the 2026 campaign and means that, despite having pulled itself up from the back of the grid in early 2023, McLaren is far from guaranteed success next year, even as title holders.
Celebrating the papaya team's latest success at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) earlier in the week, the Italian thanked the families of the entire operation, who also experience the "sacrifice" and "intensity" of life in F1.
The 54-year-old said: "It's remarkable to be celebrating our second constructors' championship in two years.
"To be able to secure the 2025 title with six races yet to go is unbelievable. This incredible result for the entire team is a special moment and one we can reflect on with immense pride and recognition as consecutive world champions.
"Thank you to Lando [Norris] and Oscar [Piastri]. And thank you to our families, our loved ones and friends who share with us the sacrifice and the intensity of competing in Formula 1.
"Thank you to our team-mates at HPP, our technical and commercial partners, and our fantastic fans. We have achieved this success together, and that will only breed hunger to continue this success going forward."
However, Stella was keen to highlight the mountain ahead, one even greater than the ensuing F1 drivers' championship fight between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris that will play out over the rest of the year.
Likening the switch to 2026 to "climbing Everest", he vowed the entire McLaren team would "attack" the task together.
"We have six rounds remaining; however, we must remain focused and prepared, as our biggest challenge is still to come with the change of regulations in 2026," he said.
"This challenge will be like climbing Everest, and is one we will attack together. Every minute counts, and as a team, we will make sure we continue to work hard to continue our journey as world champions."
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