Rumors run fast in Motorsport, and now it is time for McLaren to be in the spotlight.
Many manufacturers are lining up to make their way in the Formula 1 World, and with a fast-changing scenario not even the best of agreements is ever completely secured.
During McLaren’s car launch for the 2023 season, Zak Brown was asked by the media present and addressed the rumors around a possible change of trajectory from the collaboration with Mercedes, to an arrangement with Honda. The pair had a nightmare time together from 2015 to 2017.
After being asked about the latest news around the UK based Team, The Chief Executive Officer replied without hesitation:
“We’re very happy with our relationship with Mercedes and everyone at HPP, they’ve done an excellent job, it’s a great collaboration.
“Andrea and I are now starting to think about 2026 and beyond. We’re in no rush.
“Things are developing fast within the sport. I think it’s exciting, there’s many manufacturers looking to participate in Formula 1. I can’t recall last time there was that amount of manufacturers.”
Prepared to defend the still ongoing contract and relationship with Mercedes, but frank in its openness to new possibilities for 2026 and beyond, the American seemed willing to explore McLaren’s new possibilities. Will these be given by Honda? No answer was given to the media present as he continued:
“Andrea and I will work through the year to figure out what we think is – and make us – most competitive in 2026 and beyond.”
Brown remarked on the importance of focusing on the upcoming season and concluded the matter with a last sentence:
“Right now we’re laser focused on 2023, but we’ve got some time to decide.”
After ending a disastrous partnership with the Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo and the entry of a a rookie – Oscar Piastri – into the Team in the 2023 season, pairing with McLaren’s star Lando Norris, the Woking based team has a lot at stake.
Zak Brown and Andrea Stella, McLaren newest Team Principal, will lead the team into 2023 with the aim of climbing the rankings and battling with the top three. Meanwhile, the media will wait for news on the choice of manufacturer for 2026 and beyond.
Photo: McLaren Racing
