As the team prepares for the British GP, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown is bracing himself for another intense intra-team battle for the victory.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris had a thrilling battle for the lead at last week’s race at the Red Bull Ring, with the Australian coming out on top.
On home turf this weekend at Silverstone, Norris will be hoping for a win in front of the British fans at the British GP, including fans in his own sold-out grandstand- the ‘Landostand’ located at Stowe corner.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who was absent from the Austrian GP, shared his thoughts on the race in Austria speaking in Friday’s Team Principal Press Conference.
“It was very exciting. It was a great race. They raced each other very hard, very clean. I think that’s what everyone was looking forward to seeing – finally, that epic battle. Of course, anytime you have your two cars near each other, it’s a bit of a nail-biter, but I thought they did a great job and it was a great race and it was good to see.”
Zak Brown confirms Papaya Rules in effect at British GP
The Woking-based team currently have a 207 point lead in the Constructor’s Championship. Zak Brown maintains that this does not affect rules of engagement between the two drivers at the British GP. He confirmed that they are free to race.
“It’s the same rules. Race each other hard, race each other clean, and try and get as many points on the board for the team. Then it’s up to them to decide who is in front of who.
“I think the relationship they have is fantastic. We’ve put a lot of time and effort into building our team and having a chemistry within the team, and that starts with the drivers. I think you saw how they handled Canada, how they’ve conducted themselves, and I see no reason why they can’t have a big battle all the way to the end.
“May the best man win, and I’m sure they’ll shake hands and congratulate each other. Obviously, both of them want to win, but I see no reason why, knowing the personalities and the way they race, that they can’t remain very good team-mates.”
Zak Brown confirms ongoing development of the MCL39
McLaren are trialling a new floor this weekend in Silverstone, after new parts were also added to the car in Austria. Whilst focus is on 2026 development, the team still have some updates pending.
“Well, I mean, you’re always pushing, but I think as Andy [Cowell] said, everyone’s pretty much wrapping up their ‘25 cars. We still have some bits that we’ve developed that haven’t been produced yet or put on the car, but pretty much 2026 is the focus. But we do have a few more updates.”
