McLaren CEO Zak Brown Calls 2019 Indy 500 Failure with Alonso His 'Biggest Mistake'

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has labeled the team's failure to qualify for the 2019 Indianapolis 500 with Fernando Alonso as the biggest mistake of his career. But rather than regret, he takes pride in how the ordeal forced him to confront his own weaknesses and build a stronger organization.

Why it matters:

Brown's willingness to publicly own a high-profile failure highlights a leadership philosophy centered on accountability and learning. In a sport where reputation is everything, his candid reflection shows how even the most embarrassing setbacks can become catalysts for long-term success.

The details:

• The 2019 debacle: Alonso attempted the Indy 500 for the second time, but McLaren failed to secure one of the 33 grid spots. The entry was bumped by the much smaller-budget Juncos Racing team, driven by Kyle Kaiser.
• Root causes: Multiple errors contributed, including a poor response to Alonso's practice crash. Brown admitted he 'didn't get the right pieces in place' and didn't trust his instinct.
• The fallout: At the time, Brown called it 'the worst experience of my life.' Some questioned whether McLaren was done in IndyCar.

Between the lines:

Brown told media including RacingNews365 that mistakes are okay as long as you don't repeat them. He said: 'I owned it, it was my fault... All the things that I preach, I let myself down on.' The episode became a defining moment in his leadership – he insists he is now a better leader because of it.

What's next:

Since 2019, McLaren has rebuilt its IndyCar program into a consistent front-runner. The team has finished runner-up at the Indy 500 twice and led late in the race before crashing. Brown summed it up: 'In racing, when you crash, you repair the car, you understand why you crashed, and you get right back in.'