McLaren Declared the Luckiest Team After Red Bull Battle in F1 2024
McLaren’s intense championship fight with Red Bull during the 2024 Formula 1 season has led to an extraordinary verdict, as fans reflected on the highs and lows of the year. Heading into the 2025 season, a series of polls have shed light on the standout moments, teams, and drivers from 2024, including a decision on who the “luckiest” team was.
The season proved to be one of McLaren’s most successful in decades, with the Woking-based team securing their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. This remarkable achievement came at the Abu Dhabi season finale, where they managed to outpace not just Red Bull but also Ferrari. Alongside their championship victory, fans voted McLaren as the luckiest team of 2024, with 59% attributing their triumph to good fortune.
McLaren’s season benefitted significantly from Red Bull’s struggles, particularly a noticeable dip in performance from Sergio Pérez. These challenges allowed McLaren to end the season 77 points ahead of their closest rivals. While Max Verstappen managed to clinch the Drivers’ Championship in a hard-fought battle with McLaren’s star driver Lando Norris, Red Bull was voted the luckiest team by only 15% of respondents, showing a stark contrast to McLaren’s overwhelming majority.
Meanwhile, Alpine emerged as the second “luckiest” team, receiving 26% of the votes. After a difficult start to the season, Alpine turned things around spectacularly, achieving a double podium by the Brazilian Grand Prix. This resurgence was seen as a testament to their ability to capitalize on opportunities when they presented themselves.
On the other hand, Aston Martin had little to celebrate in terms of perceived luck, receiving no votes in the poll. Despite securing the services of legendary engineer Adrian Newey in 2024, the team’s fifth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship overshadowed this major acquisition. Aston Martin faced stiff competition throughout the season and struggled to deliver consistent results, leaving fans unimpressed despite the high-profile signing.
The 2024 season was undoubtedly one of the most thrilling in recent years, highlighted by McLaren’s resurgence as a top contender. Lando Norris’s exceptional performances throughout the year kept him in contention with Verstappen, giving fans a title fight that went down to the wire. McLaren’s ability to capitalize on Red Bull’s setbacks and maintain consistency across the calendar was key to their historic victory.
As the 2025 season approaches, McLaren’s rise to prominence will be closely watched. While their success has been attributed to both skill and a dose of fortune, the team will need to continue delivering strong performances to maintain their newfound position at the top of the sport. Meanwhile, Red Bull, Ferrari, and other competitors will no doubt look to bounce back and reclaim their dominance in the coming year.
