McLaren’s rebuild pays off
Winning a Formula 1 championship is certainly rewarding for the heart, but also for the bank account. This is especially true for Zak Brown, who following McLaren’s 2024 Constructors’ Championship victory reaped the benefits of the long rebuild started with his arrival in 2018. The CEO brought Woking its first title since 1998, reversing a decline that began with the 2009 technical regulation changes and, at times—especially during the economic crisis triggered by the 2020 pandemic—seemed unstoppable.
The turnaround was not only sporting—culminating with the promotion of Andrea Stella to team principal after Andreas Seidl’s departure—but also technical and commercial. For instance, McLaren recently signed a deal with Mastercard reportedly worth around $100 million per season, securing a title sponsor from 2026 for the first time since Vodafone in 2013. This strategic work now allows the American entrepreneur to enjoy financial rewards as well.
Zak Brown among sports’ top earners
According to Bloomberg, Zak Brown earned £37.3 million (€42.8 million) in 2024 alone, receiving a substantial bonus alongside the Constructors’ title. This confirmed his status as one of the wealthiest figures in sport. UK company registry records show that Brown, identified by a team source to Bloomberg as McLaren’s highest-paid individual, had previously received £24.4 million (€30.3 million).
The championship victory also led to an overall improvement in McLaren’s financial indicators, with the team’s valuation recently surpassing $3 billion thanks in part to sporting success in recent years. Top management salaries more than doubled compared to the previous season, reaching £75.7 million (€86.7 million) in 2024, with revenue increasing by 23% year-on-year (around €609 million) and a gross profit (before taxes) of €43 million, considering McLaren’s other business ventures.
The best is yet to come for McLaren
McLaren’s situation is set to improve further, as only mathematical certainty is needed to secure a second consecutive Constructors’ title. The remaining points are likely to be secured at Singapore, allowing McLaren to match Red Bull’s 2023 record for the most GPs remaining when winning the championship—six. Additionally, the Drivers’ Championship remains essentially a two-horse race between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, although recent discussions have considered Max Verstappen’s chances of re-entering the fight. This positions 2025 as an even more prosperous year for Woking—and for CEO Zak Brown’s pockets.
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