Zak Brown: “We know the risk of not throwing our weight behind one driver”

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown admitted that the Woking outfit knows “the risk of not throwing our weight behind one driver” in an open letter to fans as Formula 1 settles into the summer break.

The first part of the 2025 season has seen an intense battle between McLaren team-mates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The former currently leads the drivers’ championship by nine points over Norris after clinching 11 grand prix victories between them.

The Brown-led team has often been questioned over its decision not to have a ‘number one’ driver, and while this has led to some heart-in-mouth on-track battles and a crash between the two during the Canadian Grand Prix, Brown stands by the decision. The American also acknowledged that he is aware of the risks involved with not choosing a ‘number one’.

“Of course, we recognise that incidents have happened and will happen again,” Brown penned. “It’s all about how well you’re prepared for those moments and how you deal with them.

“I think Montreal was a shining example of how well everyone handled the situation. We know the risk of not throwing our weight behind one driver, but we will give Oscar and Lando equal opportunity to fight it out on track to win the drivers’ world championship.

“That’s exciting for us, and for the sport. We believe the benefits of racing this way far outweigh the consequences – despite the fact we know incidents can happen. I’m not naive.

“The adrenaline and pressure will rise, but the team will continue to work in harmony and manage the situations as they come. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic end to the year. I can’t wait to get back on track once the summer shutdown is over.”

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Clive Rose / Getty Images

Norris won the Hungarian Grand Prix – McLaren’s 200th grand prix victory.

“We left Hungary having marked an incredible 200th Grand Prix win for McLaren, becoming only the second team in F1 history to achieve such a feat,” Brown explained.

“Entering the summer break, we are currently sitting top of both the constructors’ championship, almost 300 points clear of second place, and with Oscar and Lando occupying the top two positions in the drivers’ championship.”