McLaren CEO Zak Brown Rejects Notion of Anti-American Bias in Formula 1
In an exclusive interview with ESPN, McLaren CEO Zak Brown categorically denied allegations that Formula 1 has adopted an anti-American stance, following Andretti’s unsuccessful bid to enter the sport. The prospective American team received FIA approval last October but was rejected by Formula One Management (FOM) for the 2025 or 2026 season.
Brown dismissed claims of bias, emphasizing the sport’s global nature and diversity. “> I don’t think there’s an anti-American culture within Formula 1 at all,” he stated. “When you look at the sport, you’ve got European manufacturers, Ford from North America, and Honda from Japan. The sport is extremely global.”
The McLaren CEO pointed to the growth of Formula 1 in the American market, citing the addition of three US-based races, including the significant investment in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as evidence of the sport’s willingness to expand in the region. “Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, is American,” he noted. “We’ve gone from one race to three races in America, including the single largest investment Formula 1 has ever made in anything, in Vegas.”
Brown also highlighted Ford’s return to the sport with Red Bull, as well as Netflix’s impact on the sport’s global popularity, particularly in North America. Additionally, he mentioned Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula 1-based movie, which is expected to further boost the sport’s profile in the US.
While sympathizing with Andretti’s frustration, Brown stressed that the issue lies in the value proposition rather than any perceived anti-American bias. “> I’m sympathetic to the frustration, but the claim that ‘Formula 1 isn’t welcoming America’ is unfortunate,” he said. “The root issue is between Andretti and Formula 1 about adding value.”
This development comes as Andretti continues to push forward with their plans, despite the initial setback. The situation has also sparked interest from the US Congress, which has written to F1 owners Liberty Media seeking clarification.
In the midst of this ongoing saga, Brown’s comments serve as a reminder of Formula 1’s commitment to growth and inclusivity, as the sport continues to evolve and expand its global reach.
🔗 Source