Why it matters:McLaren CEO Zak Brown recently reflected on his shared racing past with Jos Verstappen, expressing deep admiration for Verstappen's natural talent and highlighting the missed opportunities in his Formula 1 career. His remarks offer a unique insight into a pivotal figure in F1's modern era.
The big picture:
Zak Brown's connection to the Dutch racing scene dates back to 1992, when he lived in Deurne, North Brabant. During that time, he competed in the Benelux Formula Opel Lotus Championship alongside Jos Verstappen, who left a lasting impression on Brown.
The details:
- Early Dominance: Brown recalled Verstappen's prowess, stating, "Jos practically won everything!" underscoring his exceptional talent in junior categories.
- F1 Challenges: Brown believes Verstappen was "much more talented than his final results might suggest" and that he "never really got a fair chance in Formula 1." He pointed to Verstappen's tenure alongside Michael Schumacher at Benetton as a particularly challenging period.
- Personal Reflections: Brown fondly remembered his time in the Netherlands and reiterated his lifelong ambition to race for McLaren, a dream he now leads.
What's next:
These comments were made in Amsterdam during the significant announcement of Mastercard becoming McLaren’s principal sponsor. This partnership will see the team renamed the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team starting in 2026, aligning with the sport's new regulations.