Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, is basking in the glory of what he believes to be a groundbreaking achievement in the world of Formula 1. Following McLaren’s first constructors’ title in 26 years in 2024, Brown proudly proclaimed that his team is now commercially the most successful in the history of the sport.
When Brown took the reins as CEO in 2018, McLaren had 31 partnerships. However, under his leadership, the team has seen a significant uptick in commercial success, boasting an impressive 53 partners at the start of last season. This surge in partnerships, particularly from the American market that Brown is well-versed in, has been a key focus for him since he assumed his role.
Speaking at a media day ahead of the F175 event in London, Brown expressed confidence in McLaren’s commercial standing. He revealed that no further partnerships are expected to be announced before the 2025 season, signaling that the team has reached its goal of aligning on-track performance with commercial triumph.
“We’re in great shape commercially,” Brown stated. “We have the most amount of commercial revenue that a racing team has ever had, probably in Formula 1 would be my guess. We’ll know when the books all get opened up for last year, later in the year.”
McLaren’s impressive roster of partners, including big names like eBay, Mastercard, Google Chrome, and Coca-Cola, has significantly bolstered the team’s financial standing. Brown anticipates that this stable of partnerships will provide a solid foundation for McLaren’s future endeavors, with minimal commercial changes expected in the coming years.
Looking ahead to 2026, Brown emphasized the importance of stability and longevity for the racing team. His primary focus lies on maintaining stability in key areas such as the pit wall, racing drivers, and sponsors. Brown’s vision for McLaren’s future is one of continuity and consistency, ensuring that the team remains on a steady course for success.
While McLaren’s commercial success is undoubtedly a significant achievement, Brown acknowledges that the team is not alone in capitalizing on the growth of Formula 1 as a whole. With Liberty Media expanding its reach and initiatives within the sport, teams across the grid are benefiting from F1’s continued evolution.
Brown is optimistic about the future of Formula 1, citing the vibrant calendar, exciting events like the pre-season livery launch at the O2 Arena, and the anticipated buzz surrounding the upcoming Brad Pitt movie centered on the sport. With strong leadership at the helm, including F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Brown is confident that the sport is on a trajectory of sustained growth and success.
As businesses navigate macro-environmental challenges, Brown remains unwavering in his belief that Formula 1 is in a healthy and promising state. With a nod to the drama-filled Netflix series that has captivated audiences, Brown sees a bright future ahead for the sport and McLaren’s continued commercial success.
