McLaren's Resurgence: From 2009 to 2023 - A Tale of Formula 1 Redemption

The fine line between success and mediocrity can be as extremely thin. McLaren has experienced the highs and lows, often epitomizing the rollercoaster journey that characterizes this high-speed racing spectacle.

Viasport looks into the intriguing parallel between McLaren's 2009 and 2023 seasons, examining the team's remarkable resurgence in both instances and pondering what the future holds for this iconic outfit. 

Image: Jose Izquierda

2009: From Champions to Strugglers 

In 2009, McLaren entered the season as the reigning champions, having clinched the driver's title with Lewis Hamilton the previous year. Expectations were high, but a significant upheaval in aerodynamic regulations rocked the F1 landscape. McLaren's decision to adopt an in-wash front wing design, which channeled air into the tire, rather than the outwash design preferred by their rivals, set the stage for their early-season struggles. Moreover, missing out on the famed double diffuser left the team in dire straits. 

The consequences were stark. McLaren went from celebrating a title win in 2008 to barely scraping through the first qualifying session (Q1) in the opening race of 2009. It was a rude awakening for a team accustomed to podium finishes and championship battles. 

The Mid-Season Turnaround 

However, midway through the 2009 season, McLaren orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. At the German Grand Prix, they introduced upgrades that signaled the beginning of their resurgence. Over the next eight races, McLaren's performance steadily improved. Lewis Hamilton showcased his prowess by achieving five podium finishes, including two Grand Prix victories in Hungary and Singapore. By the end of the season, McLaren had climbed to fifth in the Constructors' Championship, narrowly beating Ferrari. 

Image: OKX

The Astonishing Transformation of 2023 

Fast forward to 2023, and McLaren found themselves in a eerily familiar situation. After the first eight races, Lando Norris languished in 11th place in the championship standings, while McLaren occupied a less-than-impressive sixth position in the Constructors' Championship. 

Acknowledging their early-season woes, McLaren pinpointed poor aerodynamics and tire degradation as the root causes of their struggles. This recognition led to a proactive approach. The team had upgrade packages in the pipeline, but they also instigated a massive technical shakeup. A new technical team, featuring personnel from top teams like Red Bull and Ferrari, was assembled to revamp McLaren's technical prowess. 

The upgrades introduced in Austria, including a brand-new floor, proved to be game-changers. Lando Norris, the team's young prodigy, lauded the improved tire degradation. The transformation was palpable, with McLaren now competing favorably on various types of circuits, from bumpy street tracks with tight 90-degree corners to high-speed circuits demanding high downforce. 

Drivers' Contribution 

McLaren's resurgence in both 2009 and 2023 was not solely due to technical upgrades; the drivers played an instrumental role. In 2009, Lewis Hamilton navigated the team through rough waters, securing podiums and Grand Prix wins during the resurgence phase. 

In 2023, the young Australian talent, Oscar Piastri, found himself in a challenging situation, competing in an uncompetitive car alongside a formidable teammate. Despite the odds, Piastri demonstrated his mettle, occasionally outperforming Norris. His podium finish in Japan was a testament to his potential. 

Lando Norris, on the other hand, had already proven his worth in midfield cars in previous seasons. Since 2021, he had been ready to challenge for wins and championships. His consistency and stellar performances, even in uncompetitive machinery, showcased his capabilities as a top-tier driver. 

Image: Motorsport Images

The Road Ahead for McLaren 

As McLaren looks ahead to 2024, questions linger. Can they build upon their resurgence and challenge for consistent podiums and race wins from the very first race? The team has the budget, infrastructure, and drivers in place to aim for nothing less. But they also carry the weight of expectations. 

In 2009, McLaren's resurgence culminated in a competitive 2010 season, where they won multiple races. Could history repeat itself in 2024? The sport has evolved, and competition has intensified, but McLaren's 2023 resurgence has shown that they have the capacity to adapt and compete. 

McLaren CEO Zak Brown had previously outlined a timeline for the team's return to competitiveness, which aligns with the 2024 season. Brown's words from 2021 still resonate, "We'll have no excuses come the 2024 season." With the newly assembled technical team, a state-of-the-art wind tunnel, and a simulator loop, McLaren has all the tools they need to challenge for titles. 

McLaren's remarkable resurgences in 2009 and 2023 underscore the team's ability to bounce back from adversity. However, the true test lies ahead in 2024. Can McLaren return to the upper echelons of Formula 1 and challenge for championships? The journey is long, the competition fierce, but McLaren's legacy in the sport suggests that they are more than capable of achieving greatness once again.