From F1 to IndyCar: Hollinger Shares His Unique Perspective as Owner
Rare Ownership Perspective Across F1 and IndyCar
As a rare individual who has experienced the world of Formula 1 and the IndyCar Series from an ownership perspective, Brad Hollinger has a unique viewpoint on the two prestigious single-seater categories. In an exclusive interview with Autosport, Hollinger shared his thoughts on how F1 and IndyCar compare, drawing from his experiences as a shareholder and board member at Williams and co-owner of Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) in IndyCar.
Hollinger’s Motorsport Journey
Hollinger’s journey in motorsport began in 2014 when he became the second-largest shareholder and a board member at Williams, where he spent six years before selling his 15% share. He then invested in JHR in 2021, partnering with Ricardo Juncos to form a new IndyCar team. In just three full-time seasons, JHR has made significant progress, with Romain Grosjean’s fourth-place finish at Laguna Seca being the team’s best-ever result.
Similarities and Differences Between F1 and IndyCar
When asked about the similarities and differences between F1 and IndyCar, Hollinger stated, “In some ways, it’s almost identical. The enjoyment, the passion, the thrill, it’s very similar, no doubt.” He fondly recalled his time at Williams, where the team enjoyed initial success before struggling due to financial constraints. “It became more of a pure business and a whole lot less a fun, passionate sport,” Hollinger said, which led him to explore opportunities in IndyCar.
Comparing the two categories, Hollinger praised IndyCar for its more collegial atmosphere and fiercely competitive racing. “The racing, to me, is infinitely better. It’s close, but the atmosphere I love because, to me, it’s much more open, not so much this cloak-and-dagger stuff that you have in Formula 1.” He emphasized that IndyCar’s openness and willingness to help each other out among teams makes it a more enjoyable environment.
Implementing Learnings from F1 at JHR
This season, JHR has made significant moves to propel the organization forward, including the appointment of Mark Myers as chief marketing officer and David O’Neill as team principal. Hollinger credits his learnings from F1 as instrumental in implementing changes to find further success in IndyCar. “Bringing in David O’Neill has been huge. Mark Myers has been huge,” he said, highlighting the importance of having the right organizational structure and talent in place to reach the top.
With his unique perspective on both F1 and IndyCar, Hollinger offers a valuable insight into the world of single-seater racing. As JHR continues to make strides in the IndyCar Series, Hollinger’s experiences in both categories will undoubtedly play a key role in the team’s future success.
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