McLaren's 'way' stopped Verstappen's dominance, says Stella

Team principal Andrea Stella declared that "the McLaren way" was responsible for ending Max Verstappen's four-year championship reign, as the team celebrated its 2025 drivers' and constructors' title double at its Woking factory. Lando Norris's third-place finish in Abu Dhabi secured his maiden world championship by a mere two points, marking McLaren's first drivers' title since Lewis Hamilton in 2008 and capping a dominant season where the team also clinched the constructors' crown in Singapore.

Why it matters:

McLaren's 2025 triumph represents a seismic shift in Formula 1's competitive order, definitively halting the era of Verstappen and Red Bull supremacy. The team's double championship demonstrates a complete operational and technical revival, proving a historic team can return to the pinnacle through a distinct cultural and strategic approach.

The details:

• Andrea Stella emphasized the collective achievement, stating the 2025 season "will be remembered in Formula 1 also because we had three drivers in contention at the final race of the season - two of whom are McLaren drivers."
• He credited the unique "McLaren way"—a philosophy encompassing teamwork, process, and culture—as the key factor that enabled the team to dethrone the established champion.
• The title was secured in dramatic fashion, with Norris needing only a podium in Abu Dhabi. His P3 finish pipped Verstappen by the narrowest of margins, ending the Dutch driver's streak of four consecutive titles.
• Stella highlighted that the full magnitude of the accomplishment hit him upon returning to the McLaren Technology Centre and sharing the moment with the entire team, underscoring the organization-wide effort.

The big picture:

McLaren's success story is one of meticulous, long-term rebuilding. After years of midfield struggles, the team's investment in infrastructure, technical leadership, and driver development has culminated in a championship-winning package. Having two drivers—Norris and Oscar Piastri—in title contention until the final race also highlights the team's strength in depth and balanced performance, a rare feat in the modern era.

What's next:

The challenge now shifts to sustaining this success. History shows that ending one dynasty is difficult, but building one's own is even harder. McLaren will enter the 2026 season as the defending champion across both championships, with immense pressure to validate 2025 as the start of a new era rather than a singular peak. All eyes will be on whether the "McLaren way" can produce the consistency required for a prolonged period at the top of Formula 1.