McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has addressed ongoing discussions about Charles Leclerc’s difficulty in turning pole positions into race victories, attributing the issue primarily to Ferrari’s race performance rather than the driver’s skill. This topic gains significance in the current Formula 1 season, where Leclerc’s ability to convert poles into wins remains under scrutiny amid a competitive environment. Brown’s remarks come as the analysis of the “Charles Leclerc win from pole” statistic continues to draw attention within the sport.
Previously, a similar storyline surrounded Lando Norris, who was often criticized for his inability to win races from pole position. However, Norris overturned this narrative by securing multiple victories from the top qualifying spot during the 2025 season, highlighting the complex relationship between driver talent and vehicle performance. Brown insists that Leclerc’s situation mirrors Norris’s earlier challenges but reflects more on the machinery than the driver.
Zak Brown Compares Leclerc’s Pole Performance to Norris’s Recent Success
Zak Brown emphasized Norris’s progress when speaking to RACER and pointed out how the media once focused heavily on Norris’s struggles with race starts despite his speed in qualifying. Brown remarked that Norris is now in excellent form, having won four or five grands prix from pole, which has effectively ended that narrative.
“never seen him in a better place” —Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO
“a time Lando couldn’t win from pole, according to the world” —Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO
“Now that he’s won four or five races from pole, no one seems to be talking about that,” —Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO
“I think you guys should write about that.” —Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO
Brown then drew a parallel to Leclerc, noting that despite Leclerc’s clear speed—often setting the quickest laps in qualifying—his less consistent race results from pole position are an issue of the car’s performance rather than Leclerc’s driving. Since joining Ferrari in 2019, Leclerc has demonstrated exceptional single-lap speed, including his recent pole in Hungary, Ferrari’s first of the season.
Data shows Leclerc has won only five of 27 races started from pole, a figure that Brown suggests should be examined in light of Ferrari’s overall race pace challenges. He praised Leclerc’s talent while pointing out the difficulties presented by Ferrari’s machinery during race conditions.
“Because there’s another stat out there from [Charles Leclerc], who I’m a big fan of, who’s not won that many races from pole, and I don’t think that’s anything on him,” —Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO
“I think that’s how awesome he is over a lap and maybe can carry a car over a lap that doesn’t have the ultimate race pace.”
“So that’s not intended to be disparaging on him at all. I think he’s a huge talent.”
“But my point is kind of a good narrative, and then when that narrative goes away, no one kind of, it’s almost like the retraction’s always on the back page.”
“And I think Lando’s in a great place.” —Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO
Current McLaren Title Battle Intensifies as Championship Nears
Meanwhile, in the 2025 Formula 1 season, Lando Norris continues his impressive form, engaging in a close contest with teammate Oscar Piastri for the Drivers’ Championship. Both McLaren drivers are separated by only nine points with ten races remaining, making this one of the sport’s most compelling head-to-head fights.
Despite the intense competition, their dynamic remains positive, with the team quickly resolving an on-track collision in Canada. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella highlighted the healthy state of their relationship and team unity as the season approaches its final and most critical stages.
“I think there may be a natural increase of what could be a sense of pressure because the races reduce in number and every race will become, relatively, slightly more important,” —Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal
Stella credited the teamwork and collaboration between Norris and Piastri in establishing a shared racing approach that helps maintain harmony within McLaren. This method was developed collectively rather than imposed top-down, encouraging both drivers‘ input and supporting competitive yet respectful racing.
“So, I think this is a very robust framework, and this will be more and more important as the marginal value of every race increases as we get closer to the end of the season.” —Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal
He further explained the importance of nurturing relationships in Formula 1, equating their significance with technical elements like aerodynamics. Stella emphasized how investing in driver–team and driver-driver relationships plays a crucial role in sustaining success and preventing unnecessary conflicts.
Reflecting on lessons learned from previous seasons, including reviewing the Hungarian GP last year, Stella stressed the team‘s efforts to manage difficulties transparently to protect both the drivers’ and the team’s long-term prospects.
“Once again, I’m a lucky team principal because the two drivers are very reasonable, very fair, very correct, humble, and above all, they understand that we are here not only to pursue our interest in the present but also to protect the future of their own careers and of McLaren Racing.” —Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal
Implications for Drivers and Teams Moving Forward
Zak Brown’s defense of Charles Leclerc’s win-from-pole record underscores the complex relationship between driver talent and car performance in Formula 1. While Leclerc’s qualifying speed remains unmatched at times, translating that advantage into race success continues to be hindered by Ferrari’s race pace. This ongoing challenge has notable repercussions for his championship aspirations and Ferrari’s competitive standing.
Conversely, McLaren’s current intra-team rivalry between Norris and Piastri exemplifies a constructive competition balanced by mutual respect and strategic teamwork, which could influence the championship’s outcome distinctly.
As the 2025 season progresses toward its decisive final rounds, the performance of drivers like Leclerc, Norris, and Piastri, combined with their teams’ machinery and strategies, will be critical in defining the next world champion and shaping Formula 1’s competitive landscape for the near future.
