TL;DR
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, publicly acknowledged he still feels FOMO about racing cars, even after leading the team to recent F1 successes. This reveals his deep personal passion for motorsport despite his executive role.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has publicly stated that he still experiences fear of missing out (FOMO) about racing cars, despite his leadership role in transforming the team into a recent Formula One champion. This admission highlights Brown’s enduring passion for motorsport, which continues to influence his work and personal interests.
During an interview with WIRED, Zak Brown revealed that he still sometimes feels FOMO about racing cars, even as he oversees McLaren’s successful resurgence in Formula One. Brown, a former driver turned CEO, expressed that his passion for racing remains intense, and he occasionally drives McLaren race cars himself. The comments come amid McLaren’s recent achievements, including winning the 2024 constructors’ title and securing multiple race wins in 2025. Brown’s background includes a decade-long racing career, sponsorship hustles in his youth, and a deep personal connection to motorsport from childhood, which he says continues to drive him today. His admission underscores the emotional and personal stakes he maintains in the sport, despite his executive responsibilities.
Why It Matters
This reveals that even at the highest levels of motorsport management, personal passion and emotional attachment to racing remain strong. Brown’s openness about his FOMO underscores how deeply rooted racing is in his identity, which could influence his decision-making and leadership style. For fans and industry observers, it highlights the human side of motorsport executives and the ongoing personal stakes involved in the sport’s success and innovation.
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Background
Zak Brown joined McLaren about a decade ago amid a period of decline for the team, which has since been revitalized through strategic leadership, technological investment, and racing success. His background as a driver and marketer shaped his approach, leading to a major turnaround—culminating in McLaren’s first constructors’ title since 1998 and a string of race wins. Brown’s personal history with racing, from childhood fandom to a professional driving career, remains a significant part of his identity. His ongoing passion for racing has been publicly evident, but his recent comments about FOMO reveal that this passion persists at a personal level, even as he manages a world-class racing team.
“I still sometimes get FOMO about racing cars. It’s a passion that never really leaves me.”
— Zak Brown
“Driving a McLaren race car is still one of my greatest joys, and I sometimes wish I could do it more often.”
— 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 participate more actively in racing events beyond his current involvement. The extent of his personal racing activities remains unspecified, and it is uncertain how his emotional attachment might impact the team’s strategic direction.
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What’s Next
Brown’s ongoing passion for racing suggests he may seek more direct involvement in racing activities or influence McLaren’s racing strategy. Future interviews or statements could reveal whether he intends to race again or deepen his personal engagement with motorsport.
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Key Questions
Does Zak Brown actively race or drive McLaren cars?
Brown occasionally drives McLaren race cars himself, but he is not a full-time professional driver. His driving is more for personal passion and testing purposes.
How does Brown’s FOMO affect McLaren’s strategic decisions?
It is unclear how his personal feelings influence team management, but his passion likely keeps him deeply engaged with the sport’s technical and competitive aspects.
Will Brown participate in racing events in the future?
There is no confirmed plan for Brown to compete in upcoming races, but his expressed FOMO indicates he may seek more hands-on involvement.
Is Brown’s FOMO common among motorsport executives?
While not publicly discussed often, many passionate figures in racing maintain personal connections to the sport, making Brown’s admission notable for its openness.
Source: WIRED · Culture
