TL;DR
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, reveals he still feels fear of missing out on racing cars, despite leading a successful F1 team. This highlights his ongoing passion for racing and its importance to his identity.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, has confirmed that he still experiences a strong fear of missing out (FOMO) on racing cars, despite leading a highly successful Formula One team that won the 2024 constructors’ title.
During an interview with WIRED, Brown openly discussed his ongoing passion for racing, revealing that he sometimes still drives race cars and feels a deep desire to be involved in the sport. Brown, who has transformed McLaren into a championship-winning team after a decade of leadership, explained that his love for racing remains intense, and he occasionally experiences FOMO, or fear of missing out, on the racing experience itself. The CEO emphasized that his personal passion for racing persists despite his executive responsibilities and the team’s recent successes, including 12 wins in 2025 with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Brown’s admission highlights the enduring connection he maintains with motorsport. He told WIRED that he still sometimes gets to drive race cars and that the thrill and visceral experience of racing continue to resonate with him. His comments come amid a period of renewed interest in Formula One in the United States, where Brown’s leadership has helped elevate McLaren’s profile and financial standing, with sponsorship revenues approaching $500 million annually. Brown’s passion for racing is well-known among F1 fans, but his candid acknowledgment of FOMO underscores how central the sport remains to his identity.
Why It Matters
This matters because it illustrates how even at the highest levels of motorsport leadership, personal passion and emotional attachment to racing persist. Brown’s openness about his FOMO reveals that for many involved in F1, the sport is more than a job; it’s a lifelong passion. His feelings also humanize a figure often seen solely as a business executive, emphasizing that the love of racing continues to influence decision-making and personal motivation. For fans, Brown’s candor reinforces the idea that F1’s appeal extends beyond the track, deeply rooted in personal enthusiasm and nostalgia.
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Background
Zak Brown’s tenure at McLaren began over a decade ago, during which he orchestrated a major turnaround for the team, culminating in a first constructors’ title since 1998 in 2024. His background as a former racing driver and marketing executive has kept him closely connected to the sport. Despite his executive role, Brown has maintained a personal interest in racing, including occasional driving of race cars. His leadership has coincided with a resurgence of F1 popularity in the U.S., driven by increased media coverage and new audiences. Brown’s passion for racing has been evident in his public statements and personal pursuits, but his recent admission of FOMO adds a new layer to his profile.
“I still sometimes get to drive race cars, and I feel that fear of missing out on the racing experience itself. It’s a passion that hasn’t diminished.”
— Zak Brown
“The thrill and visceral experience of racing continue to resonate with me, and I sometimes wish I could be more involved on the track.”
— Zak Brown
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how Brown’s FOMO might influence his future decisions at McLaren or whether he plans to increase his personal involvement in racing activities.
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What’s Next
Brown’s public admission may lead to more personal engagement with racing, potentially including driving or participating in racing events. It remains to be seen whether this passion will impact his strategic decisions at McLaren or influence the team’s future initiatives.
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Key Questions
Does Zak Brown still race cars regularly?
Brown occasionally drives race cars, but it is not a regular activity; his role as CEO limits his on-track involvement.
Why does Brown’s FOMO matter for McLaren or F1 fans?
His ongoing passion and emotional connection to racing can influence his leadership style and team culture, resonating with fans who share similar sentiments.
Could Brown’s FOMO lead to increased personal involvement in racing?
It is possible, but there has been no official indication that he plans to compete or take on a more active racing role in the near future.
Source: WIRED · Culture
