In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen Zak Brown: Rebuilding McLaren, Leading Formula 1 and the Power of Winning Culture
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Nov 19, 2025 
In a riveting conversation, Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, dives into the team's impressive turnaround in Formula 1. He emphasizes that a transparent culture and valuing people are key to success. Zak shares insights on aligning departments, the importance of small performance gains, and preparing for future regulations. He explores the dynamics between drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the impact of fan engagement, and how media has transformed F1's reach. Zak also reflects on leadership maturity and the continuous learning journey in racing and beyond.
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Tiny Margins Decide Outcomes
- Winning requires both elite people and elite equipment; tiny margins (around 2%) separate teams in F1.
- Aerodynamics and tire management dominate performance, so relentless small gains matter.
Calibrate Speed Of Decision Making
- Make split-second decisions when required and consult your team when you can delay.
- Build trust, clear communication, and strong people around you to enable fast, correct calls.
Delay Emotional Decisions And Debrief Properly
- Avoid making major decisions in emotionally charged moments; sleep on issues that can't be fixed immediately.
- Use hot debriefs for immediate learning and cold debriefs later for measured fixes.
