McLaren CEO Zak Brown is not very worried about the new regulations and a potential blunder in Australia. The American is hopeful that the new F1 era, which kicks off this weekend in Melbourne, will deliver the promised spectacle. If not, he assumes that Formula 1, the FIA, and the F1 Commission can implement the necessary adjustments in no time.
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Many fans and drivers, including Max Verstappen, are worried that Formula 1 is taking the wrong path with the new regulations. From 2026, the premier class will rely more heavily on electric power, and energy management will become more important than ever during races. It remains to be seen what that will mean for the opening round in Melbourne; the technical circuit may immediately and painfully expose the weaknesses of the current regulations.
The media in Melbourne asked McLaren CEO Zak Brown about his expectations for the first Grand Prix in the new F1 era. “I wouldn’t say I’m worried, but I’m aware there’s a lot of discussion about what the racing will look like,” he responded relaxed. “I think we just have to wait and see. If it’s not what we hope, I think we can make a few quick, simple adjustments. We’ve already talked about that.”
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Spectacle on Sunday?
“In hindsight, it will have to be seen whether we should have made those adjustments earlier or not,” he added. “Personally, I think any potential problems are easy to solve, should our concerns come true. We’ll see what Sunday brings us. Of course, everyone has a different opinion, and how the new regulations manifest will also depend on the circuit. For example, Australia could on paper present bigger problems than Bahrain, for instance. It will become clear on its own if adjustments are needed. But everyone agrees that – if we don’t put on a good show on Sunday – we will intervene quickly.”
“In that regard, I feel the sport is working together better than ever before,” Brown continued contentedly. He himself does not participate in the F1 Commission meetings; that honor is reserved for McLaren team principal Andrea Stella. “I am well informed. Additionally, I think the sport is healthier than ever before. Everyone is working together to do what is best for Formula 1. If Sunday shows that energy management does not deliver the desired results, everyone is willing to make changes. Ultimately, the fans will reap the benefits. Let’s just get on with the show, see what it brings, and make adjustments where necessary,” he concluded.
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