Zak Brown: McLaren faced potential shutdown in 2020 due to severe financial strains
McLaren's remarkable turnaround: from the verge of collapse to Formula 1 championship contenders
According to Zak Brown, McLaren's American CEO, the team faced potential shutdown in 2020 due to severe financial strains exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Fast forward to today, and McLaren is now challenging for the prestigious Formula 1 championship, a testament to their monumental turnaround.
Just four years since those dark days, McLaren finds itself leading the championship race ahead of the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With a storied history that includes 188 victories, second only to Ferrari's 248, McLaren's revival is nothing short of miraculous.
The team, which made its Formula 1 debut in 1966, has been a constant in the sport, only surpassed in longevity by Ferrari. Currently, McLaren holds a lead of 21 points over Ferrari, with 44 points still up for grabs.
McLaren's resurgence has been fueled by strategic decisions, including a significant investment from MSP Sports Capital, which took a minority stake in the team at the end of the 2020 season with an investment of £185 million ($236m).
Under Brown's leadership since 2016 and following pivotal changes including the appointment of Andrea Stella as team principal in 2022, along with a young and dynamic driver lineup of Britain's Lando Norris and Australia's Oscar Piastri, McLaren has been revitalized.
Addressing the press at Yas Marina, Brown shared insights into the contrasting emotions experienced between the crisis of 2020 and the current championship fight. Acknowledging the immense turnaround, he remarked, "We've come from the brink of insolvency to five race wins, second most podiums consecutively in the history of McLaren, gone down to the last race against Ferrari, and beaten Red Bull and Mercedes."
Highlighting the challenges faced and overcome, Brown emphasized the discreet handling of the financial difficulties to maintain team morale, ensuring the focus remained on racing performance and advancement.
As the final race of the season approaches, the anticipation and tension are palpable. Despite the pressure, McLaren aims to remain focused on their existing strategies, striving for continuity in their quest for the championship title. Regardless of the outcome, McLaren's journey from financial uncertainty to the summit of Formula 1 stands as a remarkable narrative of determination and resurgence.
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