Even Netflix’s most gripping drama couldn’t write a comeback story as compelling as McLaren’s real-life revival. As the team celebrated its first Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship title in 26 years at the end of the 2024 season, McLaren CEO Zak Brown revealed the tumultuous road they had travelled. Just a few years ago, the team was on the brink of financial ruin.
“We were definitely close,” admitted Brown, revealing the severity of McLaren’s financial problems. While McLaren had always managed to “pay all our bills”, Brown admitted that they were only “months away” from losing that ability.
The pandemic year of 2020 was particularly brutal, with widespread financial upheaval affecting the entire motorsport industry. For McLaren, the crisis led to drastic measures. The McLaren Group was forced to cut around 1,200 jobs, with the F1 team losing around 70 employees.
The team also sold its historic Woking factory in a sale-and-lease-back deal with Global Net Lease for nearly €200 million.
In addition, 33% of McLaren’s shares were sold to MSP Sports Capital at the end of 2020. The move injected much-needed cash into the team’s depleted coffers. Despite the dire circumstances, Brown chose to remain publicly silent about the gravity of the situation.
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Brown’s story
Before joining McLaren, Zak Brown had already established a formidable reputation as a marketing powerhouse and savvy motorsport entrepreneur. Born in Los Angeles, Brown initially pursued a career as a professional racing driver, competing in series such as Formula Ford and Indy Lights in the 1990s.
While his driving career didn’t reach the top echelons of motorsport, his understanding of the industry and its commercial landscape proved invaluable. Recognising the growing importance of sponsorship and branding in motorsport, he founded Just Marketing International (JMI) in 1995, which became the world’s largest motorsport marketing agency.
Under his leadership, JMI brokered high-profile sponsorship deals for teams and organisations in Formula One, NASCAR, IndyCar and other motorsport disciplines, cementing his status as a leading figure in the motorsport business.
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Zak Brown joins McLaren
Brown’s commercial acumen caught the attention of McLaren and the wider Formula One community. In 2016, he was appointed executive director of McLaren Racing, tasked with reinvigorating the struggling team.
At the time, McLaren was in the midst of one of the most difficult periods in its history, plagued by poor on-track results and a faltering partnership with engine supplier Honda. The Woking team lost many major sponsors due to poor on-track performances with Honda.
Using his extensive network and marketing expertise, Brown focused on modernising the team’s operations, re-establishing McLaren as a global brand and attracting new sponsors.
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Protecting the team from the crisis
“I had to protect the team from being aware of it, so everyone could stay in the very positive, energetic mood they were in,” Brown explained. In 2020, McLaren’s on-track performance showed a glimmer of hope.
After finishing fourth in the 2019 Constructors’ Championship – the team’s highest finish since 2012 – McLaren continued to build momentum. Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz delivered strong results, including podium finishes that signalled the team’s resurgence. At the time, Brown was determined not to let the financial woes overshadow the positive trajectory.
“We knew we were going to survive the year,” said Brown. But he admitted that without a crucial injection of cash, the situation would have been dire.
“It wasn’t a comfortable situation,” he said.
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Confident of survival
Despite the uncertainty, Brown remains optimistic about McLaren’s future.
“I was always confident that the shareholders would never let it come to this,” he said. But he conceded that outside investment was essential for stability.
The strategic manoeuvres of 2020 – combined with the resilience of McLaren’s staff and leadership – laid the foundations for a remarkable turnaround. By 2024, the team was not only financially secure, but had achieved a long-awaited milestone: winning the Constructors’ Championship.
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McLaren’s meteoric rise
Fast forward to the end of the 2024 season and McLaren’s resurgence was complete. At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the team clinched its first Constructors’ Championship title since 1998. It was a moment of vindication for Brown and a testament to the team’s perseverance.
“This achievement means so much to everyone at McLaren,” said Brown during the celebrations.
“It’s a reflection of the hard work, sacrifice and dedication of every single person in the organisation.”
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Looking ahead to 2025
With its financial troubles firmly in the rear-view mirror, McLaren is now setting its sights even higher. Brown has ambitious goals for 2025: to win both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
“Next year we’re going to try and win it all,” Brown declared. However, he tempered expectations by acknowledging the competitiveness of the grid.
“It would be arrogant to call ourselves the favourites,” he said.
Instead, Brown sees McLaren as one of several top contenders.
“There are four teams that regularly win races – us, Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes,” he explained.
“I don’t see how you can call anyone the favourite for next year.”
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The challenges ahead
While McLaren’s prospects are brighter than ever, the team is under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead. Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes remain formidable opponents, each with their own championship ambitions.
“The 2025 season is going to be a battle,” admits Brown.
“But no matter what happens, we can be damn proud of what we’ve achieved over the last few years.”
As McLaren prepares for the next chapter in its Formula 1 challenge, the lessons of the past will undoubtedly fuel its drive for future success.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
