Brown hails McLaren’s improved teamwork, operational strength

Zak Brown has identified greater teamwork as being one of the biggest shifts at McLaren between 2018 and 2019, hailing the team’s operational strength after an impressive start to the season.

McLaren sits fourth in the Formula 1 constructors’ championship after the opening six races of the year, leading the midfield fight ahead of Racing Point and Haas, and is already on course to beat its points tally from last year when it finished sixth in the standings.

Significant changes have taken place at the team in the past 12 months, including the appointment of a new senior management hierarchy, with a number of figures from the team noting a build in positive momentum in the early part of 2019.

Asked by Crash.net in Monaco what changes he had seen year-on-year at McLaren in his role as CEO, Brown said teamwork was one of the biggest areas of improvement.

“If you look at things like winter testing, I was very pleased to see we were the first team out seven of the eight days, and then when we had an issue, we got right back to being the next team out,” Brown said.

“Pit stops are really strong, so we’ve had some technical advancement there. That’s just all teamwork and focus. There’s a very positive vibe in the garage and in the factory.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve noticed is everyone’s pretty clear on their role. Everyone’s motivated, and they’re working really well together. I think that’s why you’re seeing things like good pit stops and good preparations.

“That’s teamwork that produces those type of results. That’s what I feel.”

Brown said McLaren could take inspiration from Mercedes’ example of operational strength, with similar signs beginning to come through at the team.

“I think if we look at Mercedes who is winning all the races… yes, they’ve got a great budget, but they’re also a phenomenally well-run racing team so they can do the pit stops that they pull off,” Brown said.

“They seem to not have bad weekends. A bad weekend for them, they seem to always recover from, and that’s because it’s a great racing team.

“That’s what I’m starting to see and feel and hear."