McLaren CEO Zak Brown has admitted he is pleased McLaren is a non-factor in the 2025 Formula 1 driver market as both its current drivers are tied down long-term.
The discussions outside the track have been populated with rumours over where certain drivers are heading next season with more than half the grid out of contract.
However, McLaren moved in advance to ensure it wouldn’t be involved in such conversations with multi-term renewals last season for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
That has removed the pair from the running for the available place with Mercedes, while Red Bull has been deterred from reigniting its long-standing interest in Norris.
“We’re trying to play a part in the silly season, but we’re just not part of it!” Brown remarked. “The F1 team, we know who our drivers are, we know our team principal.”
Brown, who renewed his contract earlier this month through 2030, also penned a deal with Mercedes that will see McLaren run the marque’s next-generation engine.
With McLaren third in the Constructors’ Championship, Brown addressed how putting in place a stable structure is instrumental to the team achieving its aspirations.
“I think one of the things that I’m trying to do is bring stability, visibility and longevity to all of our racing team,” Brown expanded in China. “We’re in a great position.
“Everything’s running according to plan. We have our new technology in, we’ve got great sponsors.
“At a time where you’ve got some teams destabilised, not sure who’s going to drive, engine changes and things of that nature, I think we’re pretty strong position looking forward.
“We just want to keep our head down and get on with it. I’m feeling confident. I think all the men and women at McLaren have done a fantastic job.”
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