McLaren Brushes Off 2025 Errors, Vows to Learn from 'S**t Happens' Moments
McLaren won the 2025 titles despite late-season errors. CEO Zak Brown says the team learned valuable lessons from these 's**t happens' moments and is now focused on the challenge of the 2026 regulatory reset.
After securing a historic 2025 Constructors' and Drivers' championship double, McLaren is openly addressing the costly errors that nearly derailed their campaign. CEO Zak Brown dismissed the mistakes as part of racing, emphasizing the team's focus on learning and evolving as they prepare for a major regulatory reset in 2026. The team's ability to handle pressure, he argues, was the true test of a champion.
Why it matters:
McLaren's response to its 2025 mistakes reveals a team culture focused on accountability and resilience, not just raw speed. In a sport where fractions of a second decide championships, the ability to learn from high-pressure errors is as crucial as car performance. With a complete set of new regulations for 2026, this mindset could be the deciding factor in whether McLaren can remain at the front or if their rivals will exploit the reset.
The details:
- The championship fight intensified late in the season as Red Bull's Max Verstappen mounted a strong comeback, capitalizing on McLaren's missteps.
- Costly Errors: Key mistakes included a double disqualification in Las Vegas and a strategic blunder in Qatar that handed a significant advantage to Verstappen.
- Brown's Philosophy: In an open letter, Brown stated, "We are racers and have been in this sport long enough to understand that s**t happens... what’s important is how we react." He stressed the team took responsibility and addressed issues "directly, openly, and constructively."
- Early 2026 Focus: McLaren was one of several teams to shift development resources to the 2026 car early in the 2025 season, potentially giving them a head start under the new rules.
What's next:
With the 2026 regulations representing a clean slate, Brown cautioned that the "reigning Champions label counts for little." The entire competitive order is expected to shuffle, making the pre-season tests in Barcelona a critical indicator of form. McLaren's leadership, including Team Principal Andrea Stella, has been working diligently to ensure the team starts the new era strongly, aiming to build on the foundations of their 2024 and 2025 success.