McLaren CEO, Zak Brown believes that F1 “is the most competitive” in the sport’s history, despite the team dominating the opening two rounds of 2025 season.
McLaren currently sit top of the constructors’ standings whilst Lando Norris sits atop of the drivers’ standings following his victory in Australia, plus second-placed finish in the Chinese Grand Prix behind teammate – Oscar Piastri, who finished second in the Chinese Sprint to ex McLaren driver – Lewis Hamilton.
Brown is confident that McLaren can chase a tenth constructors’ title, after having ended a 26-year wait for their ninth championship in 2024, but in an open letter to McLaren fans he admitted that F1 is at its most competitive level yet following seven different race winners last season across four teams.
“Right now, I think Formula 1 is the most competitive it has ever been: last year, we saw seven different drivers and four teams celebrating victories.
“Between Lando and Oscar in 2024, in Grands Prix and Sprints, we achieved 28 podiums, eight wins, 11 Pole positions and 666 points to earn us that prestigious number one garage in the pit lane. And after just two races in 2025, it’s clear the competition remains just as fierce as ever.”
Brown proceeded to reflect upon Norris’ Australian GP win as “a tense affair,” but is “delighted” to see Norris leading the drivers’ championship for the first time in his F1 career, whilst Piastri got his first pole position in China en-route to victory which marked McLaren’s 50th one-two finish in F1.
Looking ahead to the title fight, Brown explained that the team now not only want to defend their constructors’ title but also achieve the double with the drivers’ title too.
“One thing is clear: after winning the Constructors’ title last season, we are laser-focused on retaining that crown but also intent on striving for the Drivers’ Championship as well.”
Ahead of the Australian GP, Piastri signed a new long-term contract with McLaren which Brown stated “… was a natural decision” to guarantee “stability” for coming years, as he credited the Melbourne-born driver for his development since he arrived at the team in 2023.
“Oscar’s rapid development and maturity over his two seasons in Formula 1 has been outstanding. His performance last year was pivotal in securing our Championship, demonstrating the value of a strong driver pairing.
“His synergy with Lando is evident both on and off the track, and they’re pushing each other to new heights. The strength of their partnership puts McLaren in a fantastic position for the challenges ahead.”
Teasing his expectations for both Norris and Piastri beyond this season, Brown added; “I’m extremely excited by the prospects of our two stars.
“With Lando and Oscar forming what I believe is the most exciting driver pairing in Formula 1, we have every confidence in our ability to challenge at the front for years to come.”
2026 though will see a “major” revamp of F1’s technical regulations which Brown feels will “… present both challenges and opportunities, and we’re already deep into our preparations. Our focus is on maintaining our competitive edge and being ready to seize every opportunity that comes our way.”
Brown also welcomed Cadillac’s move onto the F1 grid for next season which he believes “is a huge development” especially for the US market, whilst underlining the “clear sign of the sport’s immense global appeal and robust growth.”
