McLaren’s journey through the 2025 Formula 1 season has been nothing short of dominant. Now, as the lights prepare to shine over the streets of Singapore, the papaya team has a second — and far more straightforward — opportunity to wrap up the Constructors’ Championship. Their slight stumble in Azerbaijan delayed the inevitable, but few doubt that McLaren’s coronation is only a matter of time.
A Championship Within Reach
Heading into Singapore, McLaren holds an extraordinary 333-point advantage at the top of the Constructors’ standings. While Mercedes and Ferrari remain in mathematical contention, their chances are hanging by a thread. For McLaren, the equation is simple: finish the weekend with a lead of 303 points or more, and they’ll officially be crowned champions — matching Red Bull’s 2023 record for clinching the title with six races still left on the calendar.
After Singapore, only 303 points will remain available from the final six Grands Prix and three sprint races combined. That means Mercedes need to outscore McLaren by at least 31 points this weekend to keep the battle alive, while Ferrari would have to claw back 35.
In practical terms, even a modest finish could be enough for McLaren to seal the deal. If just one of their drivers — Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri — finishes third or better, McLaren’s grip on the championship becomes unbreakable. Even both drivers finishing comfortably inside the top seven would be more than enough to make the title official.
The Standings So Far
| Team | Points | Gap |
|---|---|---|
| 1) McLaren | 623 | — |
| 2) Mercedes | 290 | +333 |
| 3) Ferrari | 286 | +337 |
With Red Bull officially out of contention after falling 351 points behind, the championship fight has narrowed to two teams chasing a frontrunner that seems unstoppable.
From Frustration to Fulfillment
McLaren’s minor setback in Baku — a race that could have sealed the title with a record-breaking seven rounds to spare — has only sharpened their resolve. Since then, the team has refocused, determined to convert their consistency, speed, and teamwork into a tenth Constructors’ Championship, solidifying their place among the sport’s greatest dynasties.
Team principal Andrea Stella praised his drivers for maintaining their composure through a challenging stretch. “We’ve had setbacks, sure,” he said earlier this week, “but the strength of this team lies in how we respond. The focus now is on finishing the job — cleanly and confidently.”
Records Still Up for Grabs
Even as McLaren edges closer to their championship celebration, several other Formula 1 records remain within their sights.
Most Points in a Season:
Red Bull set the bar high in 2023 with 860 points, but McLaren’s current total of 623 keeps them within striking distance. Their average of 36.4 points per race has dipped slightly in recent weeks, but with nine scoring opportunities left (including sprints), the record isn’t out of reach. For comparison, Red Bull averaged 39.09 points per race during their record-breaking campaign.
Largest Constructors’ Winning Margin:
Red Bull’s 451-point cushion from 2023 remains the benchmark. McLaren’s current 333-point lead could surpass that, provided their strong form continues through the final stretch. With two more races on the modern calendar than Red Bull had in 2023, the opportunity is there — but it will require both Norris and Piastri to stay on the podium radar.
Most Podiums in a Season:
Mercedes set the record in 2016 with 33 podiums. McLaren currently has 27, with 14 more podium spots up for grabs before the season concludes. Given the team’s consistency, surpassing that total seems entirely achievable.
Most Fastest Laps in a Season:
Ferrari’s long-standing 2004 record of 14 fastest laps is under threat. McLaren already has 11, and given their speed advantage, this one could fall sooner rather than later. Though fastest laps no longer award championship points, they still highlight the team’s performance edge over the competition.
Most McLaren Wins in a Season:
The legendary 1988 McLaren team won 15 of 16 races — a record for win percentage that still stands. This season’s squad won’t match that near-perfection, but with 12 victories so far, they could set a new personal record if they capture four more wins before the finale.
The Final Stretch
The Singapore Grand Prix, with its narrow walls and sweltering humidity, is known for testing both man and machine. But for McLaren, the task is clear: keep the cars steady, avoid unnecessary risks, and secure enough points to put the title beyond reach.
For Lando Norris, who has emerged as a consistent title contender, and Oscar Piastri, whose poise belies his relative inexperience, the race is about more than just numbers — it’s about cementing McLaren’s return to dominance after years of rebuilding.
If the papaya duo can hold their nerve under the Singapore lights, McLaren could soon be celebrating one of the most commanding championship runs in modern F1 history. And with multiple records still in their crosshairs, the remainder of 2025 may not just be about victory — but about legacy.