McLaren chief warns "biggest challenge is still to come" as 2026 F1 regulation changes loom

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has reflected on the Woking outfit’s back-to-back constructors’ championship titles, but insists that the “biggest challenge is still to come”.

The Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit resulted in McLaren clinching the constructors’ title after Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri brought home third and fourth-place finishes, respectively. 

The 27-point haul brought the team to 650 overall for the season so far, making it unreachable for Mercedes and Ferrari, which are currently in second and third in the standings with 325 and 298 points.

Following the track celebrations on Sunday, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, Stella, Piastri and Norris returned to the McLaren Technology Centre with the trophy to celebrate with the wider team.

“It’s remarkable to be celebrating our second Constructors’ Championship in two years," Stella explained. "To be able to secure the 2025 title with six races yet to go is unbelievable. This incredible result for the entire team is a special moment and one we can reflect on with immense pride and recognition as consecutive World Champions.

“Thank you to Lando and Oscar. And thank you to our families, our loved ones and friends who share with us the sacrifice and the intensity of competing in Formula 1. Thank you to our teammates at HPP, our technical and commercial partners, and our fantastic fans. We have achieved this success together and that will only breed hunger to continue this success going forward."

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

While acknowledging the milestone of the 2025 constructors' title, Stella also touched on the "biggest challenge" ahead as 2026 will see the introduction of the new wave of regulations in the championship.

“We have six rounds remaining, however, we must remain focused and prepared as our biggest challenge is still to come with the change of regulations in 2026," he continued. "This challenge will be like climbing Everest, and is one we will attack together. Every minute counts and as a team, we will make sure we continue to work hard to continue our journey as World Champions.”