The Singapore track has notoriously been called the most challenging. How are you feeling about McLaren’s chances this weekend?

ZB: I’ll know better on Sunday. We’ve got developments on one of our cars this weekend. It’s a tricky race. It’s a tough track. I think it’s probably the most physically demanding for the drivers. The weather though looks like, we might have some rain on Sunday which will help. I’m just hoping we get a good result.

So with how demanding the race is, what have you and the team been doing to prepare for the Singapore race?

ZB: Lots of simulations. Lots of set-up work. We got here early so people can adjust to the timezone and the weather and generally just get settled in. Generally, we feel comfortable. We have two cars running on different setups so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.

Speaking of the two cars running on different setups, can you explain the rationale behind your decision to do that?

ZB: Ultimately it’s about how quickly you can get your developments done so both cars will actually be on the same setup for Japan.

I see, you also recently upgraded your sidepods. Can you tell me a little bit more about that? Are you expecting the cars to be more competitive this season or is this for 2023?

ZB: No, this is really us looking ahead to 2023, especially with the design concept.

Bringing it back to managing the team through this time of change. Can you tell me a little bit more about how your personal management style has changed as a result of the pandemic?

ZB: This is probably best answered by other people but you know, empowering people, lots of communication. Having fun and being very focused on performance. 

So what are some challenges that you have faced with leading the team?

ZB: The competition is very tough. We have been behind on some resources so we are only catching up now. We haven’t had the full range of technology that the other teams have had till now so we are catching up on that. 

As a former race car driver yourself, how has that influenced the way you manage the team? 

ZB: It’s all about trust, communication and having a great team. You look at the data and you have years of experience and that’s how you know when to step in. 

Okay, maybe we can move on to the new McLaren Racing x OKX ‘Future Mode’ livery that the team unveiled last night. You mentioned that this will be an ongoing partnership with OKX that you will continue to develop and branch out with in the future. Can you tell me what this partnership signals for the team developmentally?

ZB: Well, it’s exciting and it’s about innovation for us. So we love what crypto stands for. It’s innovation, it’s the future, it’s dynamic, and it’s big on consumer engagement. And F1 is a big, global, 24/7 business that is technology-driven. So we think OKX and McLaren Racing really have a lot of synergies with our collective fanbase and we are really excited to see that grow.

What else is on the table moving forward? Do you think you will move into the metaverse?

ZB: Oh, of course. NFTs, metaverse, those are all things we are working on. There are lots to come.

NOW READ

Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and More: 5 of the Richest Formula One Drivers in 2022

The Glitziest Formula One 2022 After-Parties to Hit in Singapore

Formula One 2022: The Best Things to See and Do This Race Weekend