The changes edging McLaren closer to an F1 title challenge

McLaren's improvement over the past three Formula 1 seasons is clear for all to see, despite a drop to fourth behind Ferrari in last year’s constructors’ standings. But the crew at Woking know a true step to the top is still a work in progress, and the team is putting the infrastructure in place to get there

Luke Smith Jan 31, 2022, 12:45 PM

Upd: Jan 31, 2022, 2:37 PM

Any time you visit the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, it’s impossible to come away without being deeply impressed by the team’s rich and successful history. Lining the main boulevard on the ground floor are cars that have amassed victories and championships across Formula 1, IndyCar, Can-Am and Le Mans. If you walk a little further towards the canteen, the walls are lined with trophy cabinets, ensuring that every McLaren employee can see the success the team and company have been built upon.

But for a long time, the trophy cabinets didn’t need to be opened for any new additions. McLaren went through an incredibly lean period, failing to record a single F1 podium finish between the 2014 Australian Grand Prix and Carlos Sainz Jr’s run to third at Interlagos in 2019. In that time, the team underwent significant changes in ownership, management, engine supplier and drivers, but at last had some silverware to show for it.

Share Or Save This Story

Author Luke Smith

Luke Smith is Autosport’s Formula 1 reporter. Luke has been working in F1 as a journalist since 2013, initially alongside a History degree at University College London. Luke served as the lead F1 writer at American broadcaster NBC Sports from 2013-17 before spending two years as the F1 Editor for Crash.net. Luke joined Autosport for the 2020 season.

Luke is also a contributor to The New York Times for its F1 special reports, and has previously worked with Al Jazeera and CNBC, as well as hosting FIA press conferences. Outside of F1, Luke is a fan of sports and music, with an ever-growing vinyl collection, and has being bitten by the running bug in recent years. He also runs a surprisingly popular blog reviewing the often-terrible media centre coffee from his F1 travels.