McLaren enters a new era of domination this 2025 F1 season

From underdog to top dog, McLaren enters a new era of domination this 2025 F1 season. Two races into the season and it looks like the four time World Champion Max Verstappen and the raging bulls have some competition and it comes in the form of papaya orange.

The first two races of the season have shown that the McLaren team are picking up right where they left last year. The 2024 season was a memorable season for the team. The team was not only able to experience Lando Norris’ maiden win at the Miami Grand Prix but also Oscar Piastri’s maiden win at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The momentum kept on going during the 2024 season due to either one or both drivers finishing in the top three for 18 out of the 24 races. While it was Verstappen who claimed victory as the World Champion at the end of the 2024 season, all eyes were on McLaren and their victory as the Constructors’ Champion.

Last season showcased that with the efforts of Norris and Piastri, McLaren would no longer be viewed as an underdog. Many began to speculate why Norris was extending his contract with the team after making his F1 debut in 2019 and at the time still had no maiden win to show for.

"So no, no regrets from any side. I'm confident in my team, I'm confident in what we've been able to achieve and what we can achieve going into the future and I'm very happy with where I am,” explained Norris in an interview with Sky Sports.

Not only was Norris able to showcase his talent last year but Piastri as well. Last season he won two races and finished in podium position in five races. In 2024, Piastri finished fourth in the Driver’s Championship standings. It is no doubt that without his contributions and Norris’, the team was able to win the Constructors’ in 2024. Which is why it came as no surprise that Piastri extended a multi-year contract at the beginning of the 2025 season.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision. The team had the belief in me when we signed in 2022, and the journey we’ve gone on over the past two seasons to help return McLaren to the very top of the sport has been incredible,” said Piastri on the official McLaren website.

“It’s fantastic to confirm Oscar’s extension with McLaren. Not only is he an incredibly talented driver, but his work ethic and cultural fit within the team made it a no-brainer to extend his time in papaya,” added Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing. With the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, McLaren will have to continue to prove that they have what it takes now that they have established a strong dominance. McLaren fans can only hope that the team will continue to strive for excellence this season and not crack under pressure.