Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, extended his support to Andretti-Cadillac’s bid to enter Formula 1, insisting they have put together a compelling team.
Zak Brown has always been a supporter of Michael Andretti’s efforts to enter F1, and while Toto Wolff recently sent out some more positive vibes towards the Andretti-Cadillac project, Brown has reiterated his support of the latest U.S. prospective F1 team.
Speaking to the media, and quoted by Motorsport.com, Brown hailed the collaboration between Andretti Global and General Motors through Cadillac as they target to become the 11th F1 team on the grid.
“The Andretti name has such a rich history in multiple forms of motorsport,” he said. “We’re partners in a Supercars team with Walkinshaw, and they also have great history in motorsport.
“GM is also an OEM who we race with in IndyCar [Chevrolet powers the Arrow McLaren team] and I think he’s put forward a very compelling proposition,” the American added.
“I think it shows the growth of Formula 1. We haven’t had a new team in a long time, since Haas. And so it’s just great to see Formula 1 attracting new markets, new teams, new sponsors.
“I think it’s great to see they want to join the sport. I think he’s put together a compelling team,” Brown insisted.
Teams wanting to join F1 talks to the health of the sport
The McLaren CEO revealed he wasn’t privy to the details of the talks between the concerned parties on the project, but expected a normal process to take place, but insisted it was good news for F1.
He explained: “I’m not close to what the big process is since we’re in [F1], but I know he’s working closely with the FIA in Formula 1. This tender process hasn’t happened in a while, but what he’s doing is bringing forward his brand, his reputation, and his partners in making the best presentation possible.
“And then the FIA and Formula 1 will go through the process. I think there are also other entities as [F1 CEO] Stefano [Domenicali] commented on that are looking to join,” Brown added.
“I’m just excited that there’s this excitement of new teams that want to join F1; I think that talks to the health of the sport.
“We’ve seen in all forms of motor racing manufacturers come and go, and what’s great is that the manufacturers coming in talks to the demand and the health of motorsport in general in the moment we’re in, which is great. Long may it continue,” the 51-year-old maintained.