Zak Brown good but incapable of governing
The lack of leadership that could cost him a lot: the risk of penalizing Norris
The lack of leadership at McLaren is a glaring issue that could have severe consequences. Zak Brown's inability to manage his team and drivers has created a chaotic environment, where strategic blunders are punished and favoritism seems to reign.
The decision to penalize Lando Norris for a strategic error made by the team is a clear example of this dysfunction.
The decision to penalize Lando Norris for a strategic error made by the team is a clear example of this dysfunction.
It's a demoralizing move that undermines the trust between drivers and management. This lack of accountability at the top sets a dangerous precedent, breeding resentment and eroding confidence within the team.
The Australian's maneuver was very aggressive in the following Grand Prix, almost causing an accident. The pseudo leader, Brown, says "Let's let them run...".
This statement is justified at the beginning of the championship, but not when you think you can win (the drivers' championship). In this last case you have to give tranquility and trust to the driver who has the most points (Norris, after all, has shown himself to be almost always the fastest) and ask for team play from the second (Piastri).
All this presupposes a minimum basis of leadership and vision. You need to understand who within the team is the real leader and what his vision is.
Andrea Stella's emergence as the de facto leader further highlights Brown's weakness. While Stella may be competent, this shift in power only underscores the leadership vacuum at McLaren. A Formula One team needs a strong and decisive leader, not a figurehead who allows others to dictate the course.
If this situation persists, McLaren's future looks bleak. The team could struggle to attract and retain top talent, and their performance on the track could suffer. In a sport where every detail matters, this lack of leadership could be the difference between success and failure.
Believe and chase.
If you don't have leadership, at least you need to know the basic principles. After all, Red Bull is a good school and could teach a lot.
McLaren needs to address this issue urgently. Zak Brown must step up and take control, or the team risks spiraling into mediocrity. The time for excuses is over; decisive action is needed to save McLaren from itself.