Zak Brown Hails McLaren's 'Fascinating' Rise to Back-to-Back Championships

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has reflected on the "fascinating" transition of the Woking outfit, moving from the back of the Formula 1 grid in early 2023 to clinching consecutive Constructors' Championships in 2024 and 2025.

Why it matters:

After a challenging period, McLaren's rapid ascent demonstrates one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent F1 history. This transformation not only re-establishes McLaren as a dominant force but also highlights the effectiveness of their strategic leadership and development, offering a compelling case study in motorsport resilience and ambition.

The Details:

• McLaren secured their second consecutive Constructors' title at the Singapore Grand Prix, a monumental achievement following a fifth-place finish in 2022 and fourth in 2023.
• Zak Brown acknowledged the difficulty in comparing this era to McLaren's legendary dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the team was consistently winning.
• Unprecedented Turnaround: Brown emphasized the unique aspect of their current success: the speed of their transformation. "From effectively being one of the slowest cars at the beginning of ’23 to turning that around and producing a Championship-winning car just 12 months later is unheard of."
  • This rapid improvement underscores the significant advancements made in car development and team synergy.
• Driver Performance: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri played crucial roles, with their third and fourth-place finishes in Singapore sealing the Constructors' title.
  • Both drivers remain in contention for the Drivers' Championship, primarily against each other, though four-time champion Max Verstappen still poses a threat with six races remaining in the season.
• Team Effort: Brown credited the entire team, including Team Principal Andrea Stella, the senior leadership, and the two drivers, for their dedication and hard work at both the factory and the race track.

The Big Picture:

McLaren's journey from a struggling contender to a championship-winning team in such a short timeframe offers a compelling narrative of ambition, strategic execution, and relentless development. It redefines what's possible in modern Formula 1, where competitive gaps are often hard to close. Their success is not just about car performance but also the effective management of talent and resources, creating a formidable force on the grid.

What's next:

With back-to-back Constructors' titles secured, McLaren will now intensify its focus on the Drivers' Championship, with Norris and Piastri battling for individual honors. The team's continued momentum suggests they will be a formidable contender for years to come, setting a new benchmark for rapid improvement and sustained excellence in Formula 1.