McLaren see "light at the end of the tunnel" for F1

McLaren CEO Zak Brown is hoping the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines will shine a "light at the end of the tunnel" for Formula 1.

The 2020 season was heavily affected by the global pandemic, with the calendar shortened to 17-races in a six-month period. The sport is still feeling the effect of coronavirus with the Australian Grand Prix moving from its position as the season-opener to November.

However, with vaccines now available and being administered, Brown is hopeful the end is near for this chapter in the sport's history.

“From a Covid standpoint, it was the most brutal year probably in the history of the modern-day world," he said.

“Fortunately, it seems like there’s some light at the end of the tunnel now with the vaccines coming.

"We and the sport and the world have had to make decisions for the well being of our people and our racing teams and companies around the world unlike any decision making and situation I have ever seen so it has been extremely difficult.

“That being said, I’m quite proud of the way McLaren has handled it, putting the health and safety of our people first while then also putting the health and safety of the racing team."

The first race will now be held in Bahrain at the end of March before the championship moves into Europe. Brown remained coy on the possibility of open grandstands in the early stages of the campaign.

He added: “Maybe there will be some limited audience early on but let’s hope that these vaccines come fast and furious now and give us a clean run."

Related

McLaren

McLaren reveal contingency plan over tense Norris and Piastri incident

• August 11, 2025 21:57

McLaren

McLaren F1 rivalry given new light as stars race to championship title

• August 8, 2025 12:48