“S*** happens” – how 2025 mistakes made McLaren a stronger F1 team

McLaren boss Zak Brown has vowed that his squad's errors from the 2025 Formula 1 season will only make it stronger in years to come.

The British outfit dominated large spells of last year while rivals faltered, and wrapped up its second consecutive constructors' title by September's Singapore Grand Prix.

But McLaren made much harder work of securing its first drivers’ championship since 2008, partly by its conscious decision to let Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri defend their own title chances until the very end.

It also made its fair share of mistakes that invited Red Bull's Max Verstappen back into the championship fight, but a podium for Norris at the Abu Dhabi finale was enough to defeat the four-time world champion by two points.

Said mistakes included a double disqualification for excessive skid wear in Las Vegas, while also making a strategic error during the following race in Qatar when it decided not to pit its drivers under an early safety car.

On Norris' side there was also a technical retirement in Zandvoort and several slow pitstops, the highest profile of which triggered a controversial position swap with Piastri at Monza.

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

But in an open letter to McLaren's fanbase, Brown said its errors would only make it stronger going forward.

"There were challenging moments along the way, and we definitely made some mistakes that played into the hands of our competitors - which are important to acknowledge - but these were dealt with swiftly and provided valuable lessons that made us better as a team," he said.

"We are racers and have been in this sport long enough to understand that s*** happens, and it’s part of the game - what’s important is how we react in these situations to help drive us forward. When we make mistakes, we take responsibility. We address difficult situations directly, openly and constructively, ensuring we move forward stronger and more aligned.

"The lessons we learned last year – and there were many – are a part of our constant evolution as a team and will undoubtedly make us better prepared. We’re a relatively young team, but we learn quickly, and we bounce back with vigour and purpose. Championships are won by how teams respond under pressure, and I am proud of how we handled those more challenging moments."

McLaren and its competitors start from scratch again under 2026's all-new technical regulations, meaning its dominant form towards the end of the ground-effect era counts for nothing.

But while Brown admitted "no one can possibly predict at this stage how the field will shape up", he believes Piastri will come out of the gates swinging after the frontrunning experience he accumulated in 2025.

Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Zak Brown, McLaren

Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images

"Oscar deserves immense credit,” Brown added. “He drove an unbelievable season. It’s easy to forget that he has contested only three Formula 1 seasons to date - he drives with an experience and skill that belies his years and conducts himself with the utmost professionalism and respect.

"We knew we had a star on our hands from the moment he arrived, and it has been a pleasure to watch him blossom into a title challenger in such short order. I have no doubt his star will continue to rise in the years to come."