Last Constructors' Championship Title (1998)

Lore & Background

The 1998 season saw McLaren emerge as the fastest constructor, winning the World Constructors' Championship for the first time since 1991. McLaren would wait a further 26 years before their next constructors' title was secured in 2024.

In Their Own Story

The wind screamed across Suzuka's final chicane, carrying the sharp tang of burnt rubber and high-octane fuel. Inside the cockpit of the MP4-13, Mika Häkkinen felt the Mercedes engine pulse—a rhythmic, violent heartbeat that had carried him through a grueling season. On the pit wall, the usual chatter died down; Ron Dennis stared at the telemetry screen, breath held, as the gap to the rival team closed with every lap. One more corner stood between them and history. As Mika flicked the car out of the final turn, the checkered flag materialized in his peripheral vision, not just marking a race victory, but shattering an eight-year silence for the Woking-based giants. He lifted off the throttle, letting the silver arrow coast toward the pit lane where a sea of champagne-soaked mechanics waited to erupt.

Reader's Guide

McLaren's double Drivers' and Constructors' Championship success in 1998 was the last time they won both championships in the same season until 2025.

Did You Know?

• McLaren's 1998 constructors' title ended a seven-year drought since their previous title in 1991.
• Mika Häkkinen won his first World Drivers' Championship in 1998, alongside McLaren's constructors' triumph.
• McLaren's next constructors' championship after 1998 came in 2024, a gap of 26 years.