McLaren CEO Zak Brown has delivered a strong endorsement of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership over the past four years, crediting him with elevating the sport to unprecedented levels. The American executive singled out the successful negotiation of the 2026 Concorde Agreement as the governing body chief’s most significant achievement, praising the manner in which it was concluded away from media scrutiny and political posturing.
Contentious re-election secured amid legal challenge
Ben Sulayem secured re-election as FIA president earlier this month, positioning himself for a second term at the helm of motorsport’s governing body. However, his path forward faces potential disruption. Defeated rival Laura Villars has initiated legal proceedings, challenging the election’s legitimacy on grounds that the selection process failed to meet democratic standards. A French court will hear the first session on 16 February 2026, with the potential to overturn the election result. Despite this uncertainty, Ben Sulayem’s position appears secure for the immediate future.
The legal challenge highlights ongoing tensions within the FIA’s governance structure, though it has not dampened support from key figures in the paddock. Brown’s public backing represents a significant vote of confidence from one of Formula 1’s most influential team leaders.
McLaren chief highlights Concorde Agreement breakthrough
Speaking on the FIA’s official platforms, Brown identified the quiet completion of the Concorde Agreement—the commercial and regulatory framework binding teams, the FIA, and Formula One Management—as the standout accomplishment of Ben Sulayem’s presidency. The agreement, which governs the sport from 2026 onwards, was finalised without the acrimony that characterised previous negotiations.
“The president’s greatest achievement to date is concluding the Concorde Agreement for 2026 and beyond in a calm manner, away from the media and in a fair and balanced way,” Brown stated. The McLaren CEO’s emphasis on the behind-closed-doors approach contrasts sharply with past cycles, where negotiations frequently spilled into public view and created divisive headlines.
The 2026 Concorde Agreement arrives at a pivotal moment for Formula 1, coinciding with sweeping technical regulations and new power unit architecture designed to attract fresh manufacturer interest while maintaining competitiveness among existing teams.
Formula 1 reaches historic high point
Brown went further, declaring that Formula 1 has never been in better shape than its current state. He attributed this progress to collaborative leadership between Ben Sulayem and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali, whose partnership has maintained alignment between the commercial and regulatory arms of the sport.
“I believe the sport has never been in better condition. There is clear focus on what’s best for the sport, and that naturally came about through the president and Stefano working closely together. I’m very satisfied with where the sport stands now,” the American executive said.
This assessment arrives as Formula 1 enjoys record commercial success, expanded global reach, and sustained competitive intrigue. The 2024 season delivered intense battles across multiple teams, with McLaren mounting its strongest championship challenge in over a decade. Television audiences and race attendance figures have reached new peaks, whilst the sport continues expanding its calendar into emerging markets.
What this means going forward
Brown’s public endorsement carries weight as Ben Sulayem navigates his second term, particularly with legal proceedings looming and ongoing debates about governance reform within the FIA. The McLaren chief’s comments suggest that senior team figures view continuity in FIA leadership as beneficial, especially with major technical and sporting changes arriving in 2026. Whether the collaborative atmosphere Brown describes can withstand inevitable future tensions—over cost cap enforcement, technical interpretation disputes, and commercial distribution—remains to be seen. For now, the message from one of Formula 1’s most outspoken team leaders is unambiguous: the sport is thriving under its current stewardship.
