Zak Brown to remain McLaren Racing CEO until 2030

©McLaren

McLaren Racing has announced that it has extended Zak Brown’s contract as Chief Executive Officer until 2030.

A former marketing guru, Brown joined McLaren as a director in 2016 at the behest of former chairman Ron Dennis before taking over as CEO of McLaren Racing in 2018.

The American’s tenure has been a story of both revival and challenge. Placed at the helm of F1’s second most successful team behind Ferrari, Brown oversaw the Woking-based outfit’s switch from Honda to Renault power after its disastrous partnership with the Japanese manufacturer.

Mixed results ensued but a deep restructuring was in the works behind the scenes, guided by McLaren F1 chief Andreas Seidl who had joined team papaya in 2019.

Under Brown’s leadership, Seidl oversaw a significant infrastructure overhaul, as well as the team’s steady rise in F1’s Constructors’ Championship.

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Brown also broadened McLaren Racing’s field of expertise, taking the manufacturer back to IndyCar racing and into the adventurous Extreme E off-road series, moves that drove significant marketing and commercial development.

But the American’s main goal remains returning McLaren to the top of F1.

"I am thrilled to continue leading McLaren Racing and to be a part of such a historic race team,” commented Brown.

“It is a privilege to work alongside the talented men and women across McLaren Racing's different race series. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of motorsport and strive for the highest performance on and off the track."

Zak Brown with McLaren's guests at the Saudi Arabian GP in Jeddah.

McLaren Group's Executive Chairman, Paul Walsh, stated: “Zak has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and has been instrumental in driving McLaren Racing forward.

“His extension reflects our confidence in his ability to lead the team to even greater success in the years to come.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.