During a recent media session, team representatives Laurent Mekies from Red Bull, Zak Brown from McLaren, and Toto Wolff from Mercedes shared insights on the current Formula 1 season, including discussions about their teams, the ongoing championship race, and the recently announced partnership with Apple TV.
Zak Brown expressed pride in McLaren’s achievement as Constructors’ Champions, noting the importance of celebrating this milestone with the entire organization, not just the racing team. He emphasized that despite securing the title with six races remaining, the team’s approach to racing remains unchanged, focusing on competition and performance among their drivers. He acknowledged the ongoing rivalry between their two drivers, stressing the need for them to race hard while avoiding collisions, referencing the ‘Papaya Rules’ they established to govern their conduct on the track.
Brown faced questions regarding potential repercussions for driver incidents, particularly in light of a minor collision during the race in Singapore. He clarified that while they have outlined consequences for different situations, the details will remain private to foster a competitive environment.
Laurent Mekies chimed in on the battle for the Drivers’ Championship, insisting that the team remains focused on each race rather than fixating on championship standings. He echoed Brown’s sentiments, asserting that their goal is to maximize performance at every event and to strive for victories, regardless of current rankings or probabilities.
As the conversation shifted toward the future, Toto Wolff confirmed the confirmation of Mercedes’ driver lineup for 2026, asserting confidence in George Russell’s capability to lead and Kimi Räikkönen’s potential to grow in his current role. He characterized the ongoing season as unpredictable, noting that competition remains fierce between multiple teams, including McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari.
An interesting point of discussion was the new Apple TV deal with Formula 1, which aims to enhance the sport’s visibility, particularly in the U.S. market. All three representatives expressed optimism about the partnership, illustrating how Apple’s technological reach and innovative platforms could significantly expand the fan base and engagement with Formula 1.
In response to questions about team dynamics, Brown indicated that both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, would be given equal opportunities to compete for the championship. He reflected on last year’s experience and underscored a commitment to allowing both drivers to race competitively, adjusting strategies as needed depending on the evolving circumstances of the championship.
Overall, the representatives’ remarks illuminated the competitiveness of the current F1 season while signaling a promising future for both the sport and its partnership with Apple. The excitement surrounding the championship continues to build, with teams utilizing their strengths to navigate the remaining races in pursuit of victory.