In a candid interview with BBC Sport, McLaren Formula 1 CEO Zak Brown expressed his astonishment at the team’s strong performance this season, as they find themselves in a heated battle with Red Bull for the World Championship. With only 42 points separating McLaren from Red Bull as the season approaches its final stretch, Brown acknowledged the unexpected nature of their current position.
“If I were to sit here and say I’m not surprised, that would be disingenuous,” Brown admitted. Despite Red Bull’s early dominance and Mercedes’ previous supremacy, McLaren’s rapid ascent has caught many off guard. “I thought we might get where we are now by 2025. I didn’t think we would be where we are now in 2024. But I’m not complaining.”
McLaren’s resurgence has been marked by significant progress since their underwhelming performance at the start of the season. Following Lando Norris’ breakthrough win at the Miami Grand Prix and Oscar Piastri’s maiden victory, McLaren has steadily climbed the ranks. The team’s recent form, including consistent podium finishes, highlights a dramatic turnaround from a 115-point deficit after the season’s sixth race.
Brown attributes McLaren’s revival to the strategic leadership changes made in late 2022. Andrea Stella’s appointment as team principal, coupled with a major overhaul in the team’s structure, has been pivotal. “He unlocked the talent that we already had here,” Brown noted, praising Stella’s leadership and technical acumen.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Brown described the state of McLaren when he joined in 2016 as “worse than I thought.” The team’s revival has involved significant financial and operational adjustments, including changes in engine suppliers and leadership. The recent success has validated these efforts, although Brown remains cautious about potential setbacks.
The interview also touched on McLaren’s position in the ongoing championship battle. Despite a strong performance from Norris and Piastri, Brown recognizes the challenges ahead, particularly with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez struggling. “It’s going to come down to the last race,” Brown predicts, emphasizing that Perez’s performance will be crucial in determining the outcome.
When asked about the potential of signing Adrian Newey, the renowned Red Bull designer, Brown was clear that McLaren is currently content with their existing team. “We’re not going to sign Adrian. I’m very happy with the team,” he affirmed. Brown’s focus remains on leveraging the current team’s strengths to contend for the championship.
Looking ahead, Brown anticipates a thrilling conclusion to the season. “It’s gonna be a slug-fest,” he says, foreseeing intense competition among the top teams. With a mix of excitement and cautious optimism, McLaren aims to capitalize on their current momentum and secure a strong finish to the season.
As McLaren continues their quest for glory, the F1 community will be watching closely to see if they can maintain their competitive edge and possibly clinch the championship in a season that has already proven to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
