Source – The Sports Rush
In a “fairytale” conclusion to the 2024 Formula One season, Zak Brown claimed that McLaren’s victory over Ferrari was a “privilege,” but he does not think that the two teams will be the only ones vying for the championship the next year.
The echoes of celebration still linger in the halls of McLaren’s Woking headquarters after their stunning triumph in the 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship—an achievement 26 years in the making. Yet, even as the papaya-clad warriors revel in their long-awaited return to the sport’s pinnacle, CEO Zak Brown is already bracing for an even fiercer fight in the 2025 season. With rivals reloading and the competition intensifying, Brown has sounded a rallying cry for McLaren to defend their crown against a deep and hungry field of contenders.
The 2024 season climaxed in dramatic fashion under the blazing lights of Abu Dhabi. Lando Norris, calm under immense pressure, delivered the victory McLaren desperately needed to edge Ferrari in the tightest of championship battles. It was a fairytale ending for a team that had spent decades chasing a return to the summit. Ferrari, chasing its own slice of history, fell agonizingly short of capturing its first Constructors’ Championship since 2008. Meanwhile, Red Bull, hobbled by a finicky RB20 and Sergio Perez’s inconsistent form, was unable to join the final showdown despite Max Verstappen’s relentless dominance in the Drivers’ Championship.
For Brown, however, the dream ending has only heightened the sense of urgency. Reflecting on the challenges ahead, he warned that the battle for supremacy is set to expand beyond Ferrari, with Red Bull and Mercedes both primed to rejoin the fray. The American chief also hinted that the evolving grid dynamics might allow unexpected challengers to enter the title race, signaling the closing gaps in performance as the sport approaches the end of its current regulatory cycle.
Ferrari’s resurgence will undoubtedly be led by its blockbuster driver pairing for 2025. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move from Mercedes adds a new layer of prestige to the Maranello outfit. Partnering him will be Charles Leclerc, a driver widely regarded as one of the most talented of his generation. Their combined experience and raw speed make Ferrari a formidable force, one that McLaren knows it cannot underestimate.
Brown, speaking candidly about Ferrari’s resurgence, called their challenge a “privilege” to face. “Ferrari represents everything iconic about motorsport. To go wheel-to-wheel with them for a championship is the kind of storyline that dreams are made of,” he remarked. But McLaren’s respect for Ferrari doesn’t overshadow their determination to defend their title. With stability in their own driver lineup—Lando Norris and the sensational Oscar Piastri—McLaren believes they have the cohesion and momentum needed to stay on top.
Elsewhere on the grid, Red Bull has retooled for another push. Liam Lawson’s elevation to Verstappen’s side signals a shift in strategy, as the team looks to revitalize its efforts after a challenging year. Mercedes, meanwhile, enters a new era with the promotion of young prodigy Kimi Antonelli to partner George Russell. Brown highlighted the strength of these rival pairings, praising the depth of talent across the top teams.
Yet, the McLaren boss remains wary of underestimating teams outside the traditional powerhouses. As the cost cap levels the playing field and innovation flourishes among mid-field teams, Brown believes there’s potential for surprises. “The competition is as tight as I’ve ever seen it,” he observed, hinting at a potentially unpredictable 2025 campaign.
McLaren’s victory in 2024 was as much about persistence as performance. The team weathered years of setbacks, rebuilt its foundation, and stayed true to its vision. Now, the challenge is to hold its ground in a championship landscape that grows more competitive with each passing year. For Zak Brown, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But with a team that thrives on defying the odds and rewriting history, McLaren seems ready to embrace the fight once more.
The 2025 season promises to deliver another chapter of high drama and thrilling rivalries. For McLaren, the fairytale isn’t over—it’s just beginning.
