Starting 2015, a glory day for McLaren seems miles away. Honda engines are back, which clinched all titles from 1988 to 1991 with the British outfit. Yet, due to lacking collaboration between racing constructor and Sakura-based manufacturer, who planned to enter the following year, the newborn power unit is uncompetitive and unreliable. P9 in the standings becomes McLaren's scarcest result since 1980. In 2016, overall developments lead to smoother GRAND PRIX with frequent point scores, but victory is distant. So, Honda decides to entirely redesign its components. The change becomes a dicey experiment. More than that, issues persist and worsen. McLaren decide to close a deal with Renault for the coming seasons. Opening 2018 positively, further fundamental concept troubles emerge and are not related to the motor. On the drivers' side, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso finally step back, with the Spaniard not uncommonly expressing his frustration. Financial troubles keep the squad's future on a knife's edge.
Zak Brown arrives in 2016 and progressively raises moral, competitiveness and most importantly the fans' support. Instantly, papaya orange is back in the livery. 2019 sees Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris as fresh pliots, while Stoffel Vandoorne is relegated to Third Driver. In Brazil, Sainz goes from P20 to P3. Two rostrums in 2020 follow and top-class Mercedes will supply engines from 2021. Daniel Ricciardo is signed too as Sainz departs. At Monza, McLaren win again after 9 Seasons in a thrilling 1-2. Though, with new 2022 regulations, positives and general attitude drop. From 2023 onwards, Andrea Stella is appointed as new team principal. Next, rookie Oscar Piastri joins to form the youngest driver pairing on the grid. Crucially, harmony, dedication and determination start flowing. A terrible car is turned around with upgrades brought to the AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX and 9 podiums follow.
In 2024, the MCL38 rises through the standings, leading everyone with seven rounds to go. Ferrari closes up. Race 24, Abu Dhabi, lights out and Piastri is hit by Verstappen at turn 1. Both spin and with Norris holding P1, this would seal the CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP. Still, the Scuderia is right on his tails. Eventually, after the masterful 2.0s pitstop, Lando rejoins in front and extends the lead, crossing the line to put McLaren on top of the world anew after 26 years. Finally, 2025 refelcts the new leadership. 14 victories, 34 podiums, back-to-back CONSTRUCTORS' champions. The DRIVERS' title? Norris and Piastri push themselves to the highest level and Verstappen takes on the challenge, reducing his 104-points-deficit. Once more at Abu Dhabi, all three eye the prize. The race progresses uniformly after Piastri overtakes Norris on lap 1. Lando Norris finishes P3, triumphing in the DRIVERS' WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, the 8th McLaren man in history. All laurels evidence what shapes this team: never giving up.