Imagine being kicked out of your workplace for wearing jeans. Sounds absurd, right? But that’s exactly what happened at McLaren under former boss Ron Dennis, according to Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz. This shocking revelation highlights just how much McLaren’s culture has evolved under Zak Brown’s leadership—and it might be the secret weapon behind their F1 2025 dominance.
McLaren’s recent success isn’t just about cutting-edge technology or driver talent; it’s also about fostering a healthy, inclusive work environment. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is a relaxed dress code like allowing jeans really a big deal? Or is it just a small symbol of a much larger shift in how McLaren operates?**
Under Brown’s stewardship, McLaren has not only clawed its way back to the top of the grid but has also prioritized retaining the key staff who made it possible. This is no small feat in a sport where championship-winning teams often lose their top talent to rivals. Mercedes, for instance, saw key engine staff poached by Red Bull Powertrains, while Red Bull itself lost heavyweights like Rob Marshall and Adrian Newey to McLaren and Aston Martin, respectively. Brown himself has called keeping his team intact his “biggest challenge,” and for good reason.
McLaren’s 2023 season was a turning point. After Red Bull’s dominance in the ground-effect aerodynamic era, McLaren emerged as a serious contender, winning six grands prix and narrowly missing out on the World title. Lando Norris’s battle with Max Verstappen was nothing short of thrilling, though it ultimately ended with Verstappen’s legendary drive in Brazil. But this year, McLaren has been unstoppable, securing the Constructors’ title in Singapore with six races to spare and dominating both championships with Oscar Piastri and Norris leading the Drivers’ standings.
And this is the part most people miss: Success isn’t just about winning races; it’s about creating an environment where people want to stay. McLaren’s ability to lock in key personnel like team principal Andrea Stella, technical director Peter Prodromou, and chief designer Rob Marshall on multi-year contracts is a testament to this. As Jamie Chadwick, three-time W Series champion, pointed out, it’s not just about on-track performance—it’s about the culture and atmosphere within the team.
Motorsport is a demanding world, with countless weekends away and a lifestyle that goes beyond a typical 9-to-5 job. Keeping harmony within the team, from the drivers to the engineers, is crucial. McLaren’s success in this area is evident in the happiness and commitment of its staff. As Kravitz noted, the once-strict no-jeans policy under Dennis has been replaced by a more relaxed approach, reflecting a broader shift in the team’s culture.
But is this enough to keep McLaren on top? While a chill environment is a start, the team must also continue delivering results. As Chadwick warned, everyone wants to win, and staying competitive is just as important as fostering a positive workplace. So, while jeans might symbolize McLaren’s new era, it’s the combination of culture and performance that will determine their long-term success.
What do you think? Is McLaren’s relaxed culture the key to their dominance, or is it just a minor factor in a much bigger picture? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
