By Joe Murphy
McLaren Racing Limited, a British motor racing team based in Woking, Surrey, England, has a storied presence in the world of motorsport. Established in 1963 by New Zealander Bruce McLaren, the team has evolved over the years, shaped by its founder’s passion for speed and innovation.
The team’s early years were marked by modest success, with Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme securing several wins, including the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix. The introduction of the Cosworth DFV engine in 1968 proved pivotal, propelling the team to greater heights. McLaren’s dominance in the Can-Am series from 1967 to 1971 further cemented its reputation.
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Tragedy struck in June 1970 when Bruce McLaren was killed in a testing accident at Goodwood. Teddy Mayer took the reigns, guiding the team to its first Formula One Constructors’ Championship in 1974, with Emerson Fittipaldi and James Hunt winning the Drivers’ Championship in 1974 and 1976, respectively.
The team’s fortunes soared under Ron Dennis’ leadership, which began in 1981. With partnerships with Porsche and Honda, McLaren secured seven Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Championships. The alliance between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna was particularly fruitful, yielding all but one win in 1988.
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In the modern era, McLaren has continued to adapt and thrive. Partnerships with Mercedes-Benz engines and drivers like Lewis Hamilton have brought further success, including the 2008 Drivers’ Championship. The team’s ninth Constructors’ Championship win in 2024 marked another milestone. As of 2025 at the time of writing this piece, the Constructor is well on the way to add to their already impressive tally holding a significant lead on their rivals in terms of both points and pace. A win here would take them outright second ahead of Williams, but still trailing Ferrari.
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Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri are looking very likely to get the first Driver’s Title for the team since Lewis Hamilton’s 2008, and first, Championship win.
Throughout its history, McLaren has demonstrated an ability to innovate and persevere. With a legacy that includes wins at the Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Monaco Grand Prix, the team has solidified its position as a motorsport powerhouse. Notable figures like Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Lewis Hamilton have all contributed to the team’s enduring success.
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