P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has revealed he wanted to turn the team’s brand away from the “Darth Vader” image created by Formula 1 titan Ron Dennis.
When Ron Dennis took over McLaren in the early 1980s, he brought a revolution to the Woking-based team, leading to multiple championships and establishing a sleek, efficient image for the brand, represented by the iconic black and silver liveries. In 2016, Dennis left McLaren, and Zak Brown took over as Executive Director, introducing papaya-coloured cars reminiscent of the team’s founder’s original liveries. Under Brown’s leadership as CEO starting in 2018, McLaren rebranded, focusing on fan engagement, sponsorships, and a more energetic approach, aiming to revive their winning tradition. Brown acknowledges Dennis’ legacy of 10 Drivers’ titles and seven Constructors’ crowns while steering McLaren towards a successful commercial path, culminating in their 2024 Constructors’ title. Brown’s role as CEO allows Team Principal Andrea Stella to concentrate on racing matters, reflecting a modern F1 team structure where commercial responsibilities are shared. Brown believes the changing landscape of F1 requires a different leadership style than what Dennis embodied, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in steering McLaren towards continued success.
