TL;DR
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, admits he still feels ‘fear of missing out’ on racing cars, despite leading a successful F1 team. His passion for racing remains strong, reflecting his lifelong connection to motorsport.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has publicly admitted that he still experiences ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO) regarding racing cars, despite his leadership role at one of the world’s top Formula One teams. His ongoing passion for motorsport underscores his personal connection to racing, which remains strong after a decade of transforming McLaren’s fortunes.
In recent interviews, Zak Brown revealed that he still feels FOMO about racing cars, a sentiment rooted in his lifelong passion for motorsport. Brown, a former racing driver and marketing executive, has been CEO of McLaren since 2016, overseeing a significant turnaround in the team’s performance and financial health. Despite his executive responsibilities, he says he still occasionally drives McLaren race cars and keeps a close interest in racing developments.
Brown’s background includes a decade-long racing career, sponsorship hustles, and a deep personal connection to motorsport that he describes as persistent. His comments highlight that, even at the helm of a successful F1 team, his enthusiasm for racing remains undiminished, and he experiences moments of longing for the racing environment.
Why It Matters
This matters because it illustrates how personal passion can persist alongside professional achievement, especially in high-performance sports like F1. Brown’s openness about his FOMO reveals the emotional ties that executives and athletes often have with their sport, which can influence leadership style and decision-making. For fans and industry observers, it underscores that even top executives remain deeply connected to their roots, which can impact team culture and motivation.
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Background
Zak Brown’s leadership at McLaren has been marked by a successful turnaround, culminating in the team winning its first constructors’ title since 1998 in 2024 and multiple race wins in 2025. Brown’s personal history includes a decade as a racing driver, where he built a reputation for sponsorship expertise and racing passion. His ongoing connection to racing is notable given his corporate role, contrasting the typical separation between management and sport.
“I still get FOMO about racing cars. I love being around racing, and I still occasionally get to drive McLaren race cars.”
— Zak Brown
“My passion for racing is something I carry with me every day. It’s part of who I am, and it fuels my work at McLaren.”
— Zak Brown
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how Brown’s ongoing FOMO influences specific decisions at McLaren or whether it will lead to increased personal involvement in racing activities in the future.
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What’s Next
Brown’s comments suggest he will continue to maintain a close personal interest in racing. Future developments may include more direct involvement in racing projects or initiatives driven by his passion, but no specific plans have been announced.
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Key Questions
Does Zak Brown actively race or drive in competitions?
Brown occasionally drives McLaren race cars and maintains a personal interest in racing, but he does not compete professionally anymore.
How does Brown’s FOMO affect his leadership at McLaren?
While Brown has not publicly linked his FOMO to specific management decisions, his passion for racing likely influences his enthusiasm and motivation in leading the team.
Will Brown increase his involvement in racing activities?
There are no confirmed plans, but Brown’s expressed passion suggests he may seek more personal engagement in racing in the future.
Source: WIRED · Culture
