Zak Brown has explained the ‘reset’ approach he has introduced to the F1 team since becoming CEO of McLaren in 2018.
American Zak Brown joined McLaren in 2016 as executive director before moving to CEO as part of a restructuring following the departure of Ron Dennis.
Brown says he felt the team already had a strong work ethic, but felt it was important to bring a unique approach to moving things forward while respecting the team’s past. .
“I think the work ethic has always been great,” Brown said in an interview with McLaren.
“I think it needed a bit of a reset. It started with a beautiful historic papaya[color scheme]. Looking back at what McLaren has achieved, it’s unbelievable.”
“The second most successful F1 team in history and the only racing team to have won the triple crown of Monaco, Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans. Looking back on our history, we are very proud.”
“But things are moving forward and there are different styles of leaders.”
“My style is ‘work hard, play hard,'” says Zak Brown of his leadership style.
“Playing is part of racing, because we are big kids in racing cars.”
“I’m trying to bring a lot of passion, a lot of fun, but at the same time a lot of seriousness and a real desire to win on the track, on the track, everywhere. I hope that comes through.”
When asked what he was fighting for, Brown said that racing and business are his top priorities.
“Racing – I love racing. Business – I’ve been running companies my whole life. I started my own company in motor racing and around it, so I’m fighting the racing business,” said Zak Brown. .
“I love this job. I love coming here every day, so I hope people can see that this is a great place to work.”
