Zak Brown Dismisses Paddock Politics and Salutes Red Bull’s Progress

As the "compression ratio" row continues to simmer, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has offered a more pragmatic view of the situation. While rival manufacturers are up in arms over Mercedes' technical ingenuity, Brown has largely dismissed the outcry as "typical Formula 1 politics." For a team that relies on Mercedes power, McLaren sees no reason for the current level of hysteria. 

Drawing Historical Parallels 

Brown compared the current situation to previous technical innovations that once caused similar friction, such as the double diffuser. He maintains that the Mercedes engine meets all current requirements and regulations, noting that the motor has passed all mandated tests. "I also don't believe the advantage is as big as is being said in some places," Brown remarked, suggesting that rivals are happy to blow the story out of proportion for their own gain. 

Respect for the Red Bull Project 

While Brown isn't losing sleep over Mercedes, he is keeping a very close eye on the progress at Milton Keynes. Red Bull’s move to produce its own power units was seen by many as a massive risk, but the early data has left Brown impressed. He noted that the Red Bull engine looks "surprisingly fast" and, perhaps more importantly, highly reliable for a project in its infancy. 

"Hat's off to them," Brown said, acknowledging that as F1 enters this new era, the reliability across the board seems higher than anticipated. For McLaren, the focus remains on the fight ahead with Mercedes, Ferrari, and a Red Bull team that seems to have defied the odds with its homegrown engine. 

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country US
  • Date of b. Nov 7 1971 (54)
  • Place of b. Los Angeles, California U.S., US
  • Weight 0 kg
  • Length 0 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar