P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren enters the 2025 Formula 1 season as the team to beat, but it was not too long ago that the British outfit was in a world of difficulties.
Stoffel Vandoorne expressed that he is “not surprised” by McLaren’s impressive turnaround in Formula 1 since his time with the team. During the 2017 and 2018 seasons, McLaren struggled significantly with reliability issues and amassed a total of 20 retirements between the drivers due to switching power units from Honda to Renault. Despite this challenging period, Vandoorne only scored 25 points in those two seasons before leaving to pursue a career in Formula E and the World Endurance Championship. McLaren’s resurgence since Vandoorne’s departure culminated in winning the 2024 constructors’ title after hitting rock bottom in 2023, showcasing a remarkable transformation. Vandoorne credits McLaren’s return to success to simple changes in the team’s structure and leadership, emphasizing the competence of the personnel who were pivotal in the team’s resurgence. He believes McLaren’s current position at the top of Formula 1 reflects where the team truly belongs, a testament to their hard work and dedication to reclaiming their place in the sport.
