Breaking: McLaren Announces Team Principal Exit with Zak Brown’s Official Statement.
McLaren Announces Team Principal Exit with Zak Brown’s Official Statement.
McLaren Racing has announced a change in its leadership structure, with Zak Brown reflecting on the departure of the team’s current principal, Andrea Stella. McLaren, one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history with eight Constructors’ Championships and 12 Drivers’ titles, has faced struggles in recent years, especially since their last major victory in 2008 with Lewis Hamilton. Their partnership with Honda during the hybrid engine era and technical setbacks in the 2022 season contributed to a significant performance decline.
The 2022 technical regulations only added to McLaren’s woes, as development issues caused them to fall behind other teams. However, under the leadership of Andrea Stella, who took over as team principal in 2023, McLaren has staged a remarkable recovery. Heading into the Dutch Grand Prix, the team has positioned itself as a legitimate contender for the Constructors’ Championship, trailing the dominant Red Bull Racing by just 42 points. This turnaround marks a significant shift for McLaren, and Zak Brown, the team’s CEO, acknowledged that Stella’s leadership has been crucial in this transformation.
In a message to fans, Brown reflected on the season’s ups and downs, celebrating McLaren’s drivers for their historic achievements. For the first time since 2002, two drivers from the same team secured their maiden victories in the same season, which Brown called an extraordinary accomplishment. Despite early setbacks, Brown credited the team’s culture of learning and resilience for their improvement, highlighting the positive environment under Stella’s leadership.
Brown further praised Stella’s collaborative leadership approach, noting that the energy within McLaren has never been more positive in his 40 years with the team. He also acknowledged the collective effort required for McLaren’s resurgence, pointing out that the team’s success is the result of contributions from all levels, including ownership, technical staff, partners, and loyal fans.
Despite fierce competition from other teams, McLaren’s progress under Stella demonstrates a clear path toward reclaiming their former glory. With a renewed spirit and a unified approach, McLaren’s pursuit of its first Constructors’ title in over two decades remains strong and on track, signaling that the team is once again a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1.