McLaren CEO Zak Brown has stood firm following suggestions that F1 is risking alienating the wave of new supporters it has gained over recent years. He argued that criticism of the FIA’s 2026 regulations is arriving far too early.
Speaking during a media session at McLaren’s Woking Technology Centre last Wednesday, Brown emphasised that the championship is only just starting to adapt to the 2026-style regulations.
When asked if he believes F1 may be in danger of losing new fans due to these recent rule changes, Brown was quick to point out how people get too pumped up when new regs come out. They have proven to be extremely divisive.
“No, I think we’re three races into it.
“Appreciate everyone gets excited when there’s new technology, new rules, new cars. I know we all like to kind of race one, be a bit dramatic.”
Rapid adjustments already underway
Brown discussed how both the FIA and F1 teams have already reacted promptly to concerns that drivers have about the new update on 2026 regulations.
“Here we are going into race four and we’ve now made some substantial changes that i think will be a good improvement,” he explained. “Whether we need to continue that direction, let’s wait and see.”
He continued by drawing a parallel with the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014. That was a change that initially brought heavy criticism before becoming widely accepted.
“I think it was the same noise as the hybrid era that turned out to be just fine in towards the tail end.
“Obviously, we don’t want to wait 10 years, but towards the tail end, I think it was the most competitive Formula One ever.”
Brown also recognised the speed at which teams work to adapt to the new technical demands of these updated 2026 regulations. He praised the rapid innovation happening behind the scenes.
“The engineers are amazing, so they quickly develop new technologies.”
Brown on balancing driver demands with the spectacle in F1 2026
According to Brown, resistance to change is more common among long-time fans of the sport rather than the newer audience F1 has attracted through projects such as Drive to Survive.
“I think it’s probably more the fan that’s been around longer as opposed to the newer fan, actually,” he stated. “It’s probably maybe not fair to categorise them, but probably those that have been following the sport longer.”
He also pointed out how the on-track action has been stronger than some drivers’ complaints suggest, citing the battle between George Russell and Charles Leclerc at Albert Park.
“It’s interesting on pit wall. I understand the driver’s reaction but then you actually watch it on TV,” Brown said.
“I can’t remember an Australian Grand Prix where the lead changed hands four or five times over two, three laps. So, I actually think on television, it’s been very exciting the way the drivers have raced to pass eachother four or five times. They’ve not been happy with, but that actually doesn’t kind of translate on TV, so I think the races have been very exciting.”
Brown believes that F1 is already finding the correct balance between entertainment value and driver demands.
“I think we’ve taken corrective action to hopefully accomplish both, which is continue with the exciting television coverage and have the drivers feel like they’ve got a Formula One car underneath their butt.”
With development continuing as we approach the Miami GP, Brown remains confident that F1 will continue to appeal to both its newest and long-term fans throughout the 2026 F1 season.
