Zak Brown's Success Drives McLaren to Profit After Massive 2022 Loss

Alex Harrington | Nov 20, 2024

May 5, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (4) celebrates with his team after winning the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images / Peter Casey-Imagn Images

In a remarkable financial turnaround, McLaren Racing, under the leadership of CEO Zak Brown, posted an AUD $25 million (£12.9 million) profit in 2023, a stark contrast to the AUD $111.8 million (£57.84 million) loss they experienced in 2022. This substantial improvement follows several challenging years, marked by financial hurdles intensified by the global COVID-19 pandemic and a series of restructuring measures.

The team has bounced back, largely due to an impressive growth in revenue, primarily fueled by increased commercial activities across its diverse racing series, including Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, and Extreme E.

Historically, McLaren has faced severe financial pressure, exacerbated by the pandemic's impact on global economics and sports. In 2020, the team underwent major restructuring that saw layoffs and the sale of its iconic McLaren Technology Center, which was subsequently leased back. Such measures were necessary to secure funding and stabilize their operations.

However, the turnaround in fortunes can be attributed to both the management under Brown and central financial decisions, such as the acquisition of a majority stake by Bahrain's Mumtalakat sovereign wealth fund in 2023, providing McLaren with the financial stability required for recovery.

The revenue increase from £327.892 million in 2022 to £431.082 million in 2023 attests to McLaren's strengthened operational focus. Particularly noteworthy was the upswing in on-track performance within their Formula 1 team. Zak Brown's effective leadership has been instrumental in attracting new sponsors and improving on-track results, further solidifying McLaren's place in motorsport.

The daunting administrative costs reveal a rise to AUD $225.7 million (£116.756 million) in 2023 from AUD $151.9 million (£78.573 million) in the previous year. The hike in expenses stemmed partially from increased branding and marketing efforts, essential for sustaining McLaren's market presence. Additionally, costs associated with property exits and inflation contributed to this figure.

Despite a decrease in revenue overall, heritage car sales brought in nearly £1 million in 2023. McLaren's diversification strategy continues to support financial stability. The sale of such cars in 2022 had generated substantial income, including net proceeds amounting to £100 million, contributing significantly to the company’s revenue stream.

With a focus on sustainability, McLaren is positioning itself in the electric racing industry, leveraging opportunities within Formula E and Extreme E. As Zak Brown affirmed:

“The Group is committed to focusing on consolidating its core operation processes across all Group companies in order to gain advantage from all of the racing series.”

“Specifically, within the Electric Racing market, to further drive the strategic, commercial, and technical aspects to racing for the overall Group.” This objective aligns with McLaren's broader sustainability goals, which aim to distinguish the brand from competitors and resonate with an eco-conscious fan base. The commitment to sustainability is “a point of difference to the fans, partners, and people,” Brown pointed out.

The future holds promise for McLaren, catalyzed by a fortified sponsor base and improved sporting performance. The company's strategies for consolidating operations and advancing technologically through electric racing indicate a potential for sustained profitability, and the team's ongoing endeavors in the electric racing sector are poised to continue bolstering revenue growth and align with global trends towards sustainability and innovation in motorsport.

This financial rebound under Zak Brown is incredibly exciting, and with the regulation changes coming in 2026, it sets the organization up for an exciting future.