After a 26-year wait, McLaren has returned to the top of the world by winning the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship. The success, achieved at the end of the season with a victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, is the result of a long-term project focused on an innovative leadership and management model. CEO Zak Brown attributes this revival to a managerial culture based on constructive self-criticism, teamwork, and the development of talent within the organization.
Since Zak Brown joined McLaren in 2016, he has initiated a transformation process aimed at bringing the team back to the pinnacle of motorsport. His philosophy is rooted in a pragmatic managerial approach, focused on building a highly skilled and cohesive leadership team. The core group, composed of about ten people, has developed a relationship of mutual loyalty but is also unafraid to challenge one another constructively.
Brown firmly believes that self-criticism and internal debate are essential for identifying weaknesses and achieving continuous improvement. “We are immensely loyal to each other, but we constantly test ourselves,” explained Brown. The ability to recognize mistakes and discuss them openly has allowed McLaren to identify critical areas and implement effective solutions, accelerating growth.
One key element of Brown’s philosophy is the supportive role he assigns himself. Rather than acting as a centralizing figure, McLaren’s CEO describes himself as a facilitator. His primary goal is to create an environment where team members can excel in their respective roles, providing them with all the necessary support.
A concrete example is his relationship with team principal Andrea Stella, to whom Brown approaches with a service-oriented mindset: “What can I do to help you? Do you need support with the drivers? Is there something commercial I can address?” This collaborative approach enables leaders to focus on operational and strategic aspects while ensuring optimal resource management.
“I work for the team; they don’t work for me,” Brown emphasizes, underscoring the importance of a horizontal, non-authoritarian model. This mindset has fostered a climate of trust and motivation, where every individual feels valued and empowered.
Another cornerstone of Zak Brown’s leadership is awareness of his own limitations. Formula 1 is an extremely complex sport, where every decision can make a difference. Brown knows that, despite his extensive racing experience, he cannot match the technical expertise of the team’s specialists.
For instance, during races, the CEO avoids interfering with strategic decisions made on the pit wall, relying on the team’s expertise. “I’m not qualified to make race strategy decisions,” admits Brown. This choice not only demonstrates humility but also generates respect within the organization, where everyone is aware of their role.
Even the engineering team appreciates this approach. As noted by Tom Stallard, race engineer for Oscar Piastri: “You know what I like about you on the pit wall? It’s that you never say anything!” Brown understands that his strength lies in organizing and supporting the team, leaving key decisions to the true experts.
The organizational culture promoted by Zak Brown and his team is the result of years of work and reflection. This model is based on values such as collaboration, self-criticism, trust, and meritocracy. Every team member is encouraged to give their best, knowing they have the management’s support and the freedom to make important decisions.
This approach has created perfect synergy between the technical department, the drivers, and management, allowing McLaren to close the gap with its main competitors. The 2024 season, culminating in the Constructors’ Championship title, represents the fulfillment of a clear vision and a path of continuous improvement.
With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the wheel, two of the most promising talents in Formula 1, McLaren appears to have laid the foundation for a new era of success. The leadership of Zak Brown, combined with the team’s technical expertise and deeply ingrained winning culture, allows the team to look to the future with ambition and confidence.
The return to the top of Formula 1 is not just the result of investments and technical strategies but also of the ability to create a united and motivated team, where individual talent and teamwork blend to achieve a common goal: victory.
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