McLaren CEO Hints at Pursuing Red Bull's Architect Adrian Newey

McLaren CEO Zak Brown suggested that around six or seven drivers on the F1 2024 grid have the potential to win the World Championship if they were driving Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 has been evident, with the three-time reigning World Champion claiming 49 victories in the last 73 races since his inaugural title-winning season in F1 2021. His consistent performance and unparalleled success on the track have solidified his status as one of the most dominant drivers in recent history.

Brown hinted at McLaren interest in acquiring Adrian Newey, who played a significant role in Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel’s success at Red Bull, after Newey’s announced departure from the team in early F1 2025. McLaren CEO, Zak Brown emphasized the importance of both a star driver and a top-notch car for a team’s success, stating that almost half of the current grid could secure the title with Verstappen’s car.

He highlighted the significant impact of the car in Formula 1, suggesting that even Verstappen might not clinch the World Championship in any other car than the Red Bull. However, McLaren’s Lando Norris, who narrowly missed victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, emphasized the role of driving skill in the tight competition among Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, suggesting that driver performance plays a crucial role, especially with the close margins in qualifying and racing.