Zak Brown Confident McLaren Will Be Among F1’s “Big Four” in 2026

As the second and final pre-season test in Bahrain concludes, McLaren CEO Zak Brown anticipates the team will be competitive in the 2026 Formula 1 season, placing them among the top four teams. However, he doesn’t expect McLaren to immediately lead that group.

“I think we’ve produced a good car,” Brown explained. “I think we’ll be in the big four – I don’t think we’re in the front of the big four, but it’s going to be a long season with a lot of development.”

Rivals’ Strength and McLaren’s Position

Brown acknowledged the strength of Ferrari and Mercedes, noting they “are looking very strong.” He similarly suggested that Red Bull Racing may not have fully revealed their potential. Despite this, he remains confident in McLaren’s position. “I think we’re definitely in the top four,” he stated.

Key to Success: People and Culture

When questioned about the gap between the top four teams and the rest of the grid, Brown emphasized the importance of personnel and team culture. “It’s people – we’ve all got great technology, wind tunnels, etc,” he said. “I think in our case we’ve got a fantastic culture with all the men and women at McLaren – we have a lot of stability, we haven’t had much change in the team, so I just think we’ve got great ways of working.”

He also highlighted the strength of McLaren’s driver lineup, alongside a stable team environment, as crucial factors contributing to their success. “When you put that all together, even though the margins are very thin, that ultimately makes a difference,” Brown added. “But it’s early days and things will consolidate here pretty quickly.”

Recent McLaren Achievements and Leadership Changes

McLaren enters the 2026 season following a successful 2025 campaign, securing both the Teams’ Championship and the Drivers’ Championship with Lando Norris . However, in December 2025, Zak Brown stepped down from his role with Australia’s Supercars , allowing him to focus on his Formula One commitments, particularly with the Australian Grand Prix approaching in March.

Brown has also recently addressed criticism regarding McLaren’s treatment of Oscar Piastri, defending the team against claims of favoritism towards Lando Norris and responding to comments made by an Australian senator .