McLaren Boss Zak Brown: 2025 Mistakes Were "Valuable Lessons" For a Stronger Team

McLaren secured both the 2025 drivers' and constructors' championships, but their path to victory was far from smooth, marked by several unforced errors that nearly allowed Max Verstappen to snatch the title. Team principal Zak Brown is now reframing those mistakes not as failures, but as crucial, formative experiences that have forged a more resilient and stronger team, particularly as they face a complete reset with new regulations in 2026.

Why it matters:

How a team handles adversity is often more telling than how it handles success. Brown's candid acknowledgment of errors and his emphasis on a culture of accountability and swift learning are vital for sustaining a championship-winning mindset. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, McLaren is actively using them as a foundation for growth, a strategy that will be essential when the entire grid starts from zero in 2026.

The details:

McLaren's 2025 campaign, while ultimately successful, included several high-profile mistakes that kept the championship fight tense until the final lap in Abu Dhabi.

• Costly Disqualifications: In Las Vegas, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the race results for excessive skid block wear, a significant blow to their constructors' championship points total.
• Strategic Blunder in Qatar: The team made a pivotal error by choosing not to pit its drivers under an early Safety Car, a decision that compromised their race strategy and potential results.
• Operational Hiccups: The season also saw a technical retirement for Norris in Zandvoort and a series of slow pitstops. The most notable slow stop at Monza triggered a controversial but defended team order, asking Piastri to let Norris by for position.

What's next:

With the 2026 regulations rendering the 2025 cars obsolete, McLaren's focus is on carrying forward the lessons learned rather than the performance itself. Brown is confident that the experience gained, especially by his drivers, will be invaluable.

• A Culture of Improvement: Brown stressed that mistakes are addressed "directly, openly and constructively," fostering an environment where the team can "move forward stronger and more aligned." He believes this ability to bounce back is a hallmark of a championship team.
• Piastri's Continued Rise: The boss reserved high praise for Oscar Piastri, noting that his experience fighting for a title has accelerated his development. Brown expressed no doubt that Piastri's "star will continue to rise" in the coming years, positioning him as a central figure in McLaren's future ambitions.