Zak Brown is strategically reshaping his global motorsport empire. The McLaren Formula One chief executive announced his United Autosports outfit will exit the Australian Supercars Championship. This withdrawal will take effect from the upcoming 2026 season. Brown described the decision as incredibly difficult to finalize. However, it reflects a necessary realignment of resources towards expanding global commitments.
United Autosports first entered the popular Australian touring car series in 2017. They partnered with Andretti Autosport and Walkinshaw Racing. This collaboration formed the highly prominent Walkinshaw Andretti United team, or WAU. The partnership quickly achieved significant success. In 2021, the team secured the prestigious Bathurst 1000 endurance race victory. Just two weeks before the announced departure, WAU capped off its involvement in spectacular fashion. Driver Chaz Mostert won the 2025 Supercars drivers’ championship title. Brown noted that winning the championship in their final event together felt like a perfect, natural ending.
The primary motivation for the exit is United Autosports’ soaring engagement in other categories. Brown specified the rapidly growing World Endurance Championship (WEC) program as a major factor. The American executive confirmed the decision frees up complete focus and energy for these other racing ventures. United Autosports competes internationally in various top-tier endurance racing circuits. Consolidating their efforts is essential for competitive success on a world stage.
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This move follows a broader strategic restructuring at McLaren Racing. Brown previously oversaw the team’s withdrawal from the Formula E championship. That decision was also driven by the desire to streamline the company’s racing portfolio. The goal remains for McLaren to focus intensely on its core programs, which now include Formula 1, IndyCar, and the renewed WEC Hypercar entry. Brown has an ambitious vision of competing for wins in all three series globally. This comprehensive approach requires absolute focus and resource management.
The Walkinshaw Andretti United team will continue operating successfully. They will adopt the new moniker Walkinshaw TWG Racing next season. The new name reflects the remaining and incoming ownership structure. Brown confirmed he will not be involved in the day-to-day operations moving forward. Despite this, he pledged his emotional and visible support for the squad. Brown specifically promised to cheer on the team from the pit wall during the Melbourne SuperSprint. This event is typically held alongside the Formula One Australian Grand Prix weekend in March. Brown expressed confidence that great things remain ahead for the Walkinshaw-led organization. The departure closes a successful chapter but reinforces McLaren’s commitment to its most strategic global motorsport endeavors.
