For the first time since the days of Ayrton Senna, McLaren can finally say it again — champions, twice in a row. Under the lights of Marina Bay, they sealed their 10th Constructors’ Championship title and reminded the paddock that dominance isn’t just a Red Bull trait anymore.
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Russell Takes Control, McLaren Clinches the Crown
George Russell delivered one of the cleanest performances of his career, converting pole position into a flawless win for Mercedes. It was a textbook drive — precise, patient, and entirely unbothered by the chaos behind him. But it was McLaren’s 3rd and 4th-place finish that truly shaped the weekend. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri crossed the line safely in formation, bringing home enough points to make McLaren’s championship mathematically untouchable.
The atmosphere in the McLaren garage was part nostalgia, part relief. It has been over three decades since McLaren last pulled off consecutive titles, and for CEO Zak Brown, this was validation that the rebuild wasn’t a fluke.
Piastri Under Pressure, Norris Steady as Ever
If the Constructors’ crown belonged to McLaren, the pressure squarely sat on Oscar Piastri’s shoulders. The young Australian has been leading the Drivers’ Championship all season but showed signs of strain this weekend. While Norris looked composed, Piastri’s rhythm faltered under the weight of Verstappen’s resurgence. The gap now sits at 63 points — comfortable but no longer untouchable.
Norris, meanwhile, continues to be McLaren’s quiet anchor. His podium finish was yet another reminder that consistency still wins titles, even when you’re not the flashiest name on the grid.
Verstappen’s Chase Isn’t Over Yet
Max Verstappen isn’t one to go quietly. Finishing second, he trimmed down his deficit to Piastri and kept the championship narrative alive. Red Bull may not have the Constructors’ fight this year, but Verstappen’s individual grit remains the biggest wildcard in the final stretch of 2025.
His race was classic Verstappen — aggressive at the start, relentless in traffic, and ruthlessly efficient in clean air. The numbers might not be in his favor, but the form certainly is.
Midfield Surprises and Strategic Shakeups
Further down the order, Fernando Alonso carried Aston Martin to a valuable eighth-place finish. It wasn’t podium-worthy, but it propelled him three spots up in the standings to 11th. Ferrari, meanwhile, continues to lose ground, with strategy errors costing them crucial points yet again. Red Bull now sits just 10 points behind Ferrari and only 25 behind Mercedes in the Constructors’ battle — proof that the midfield is where the real war is happening.
Legacy in Motion
McLaren’s 10th championship doesn’t just rewrite record books — it reignites an identity. The papaya team has now overtaken Williams in the all-time Constructors’ list, trailing only Ferrari. From the outside, it looks like dominance. Inside the paddock, it feels like a shift in balance that’s here to stay.
The last time McLaren celebrated like this, Senna was still driving, and the cars had manual gearboxes. Today, it’s data-driven strategy, laser focus, and a team culture that remembers where it came from. The sport loves a comeback, and McLaren’s is finally complete.
