Zak Brown on McLaren F1 leadership, structure, and differences to Red Bull Racing

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown shared insights into his leadership and the team’s internal culture in an interview with talkSPORT, after McLaren secured a second consecutive F1 Constructors’ Championship and a World Drivers’ Championship with Lando Norris.

Brown drew comparisons with Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen, acknowledging McLaren’s struggles when challenging Red Bull F1 and making it clear that success against the top team does not come easily.

“Which is not easy because they’re an unbelievable team. And Max Verstappen’s, the greatest driver of the modern era,” Brown said.

McLaren’s leadership and team culture

When asked about leadership ethos and whether Formula 1 experiences “driver power,” Brown admitted that drivers influence a team’s environment. However, he mentioned that McLaren’s strength lies in its unity.

“Well, of course, because they set the tone for the garage,” Brown explained. “But I think what I’m most proud of is how well the 1,400 people at McLaren work together for a common goal, but know their individual roles and how much during bad times, which we had this year, that’s the test of a culture.” 

Brown added that McLaren’s true culture is revealed during difficult periods.

“It’s easy when you’re winning and things are good. It’s when you have a bad day at the office, how do people react? And McLaren, our people, we get up off the floor very quickly.”

No driver bigger than the team

The McLaren CEO was clear when asked whether any driver could be larger than the team itself.

“Nope,” Brown replied.

He went on to confirm that such behaviour would not be tolerated within the team, even if it involved a highly successful driver.

“Absolutely. There are drivers, great drivers that we would not have at McLaren because they don’t fit our culture.”

McLaren a “two-car team”

Brown also addressed reports surrounding Red Bull’s internal dynamics, particularly suggesting that Verstappen and his father have significant influence within the team.

“Max is an amazing driver, but you know, that’s a one-car team and we want to have a two-car team,” Brown said, highlighting the key difference between Red Bull and McLaren F1 in his eyes.

“I think Max Verstappen’s a big personality, unbelievable driver, but I don’t think the driver combo we have is a better combo on the grid. And I think part of the secret sauce of them getting along is the characters, who they are. And that’s one of the big reasons why we selected them,” he said, referring to Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.