McLaren Chief Set for Surprise Williams S...read more

Zak Brown to Drive Historic Williams FW11B at British Grand Prix Despite Leading McLaren

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown is set to play an unexpected dual role at the upcoming British Grand Prix, taking a step back in time as he takes to the track in a legendary Williams F1 car all while still leading McLaren’s current championship campaign.

The American businessman and motorsport enthusiast will climb behind the wheel of Nigel Mansell’s 1987 Williams FW11B, a car from his private collection, during the historic car parade at Silverstone. Brown, a lifelong collector of F1 machinery, revealed the news during an ESPN feature showcasing his rare and valuable garage.

“I’m going to drive this car at the British Grand Prix, and I think fans are really going to enjoy it,” Brown said. “I’ve never driven it before, so I’ll give it a run in Spain first. It’s been fully restored and shaken down it’s ready to go.”

The FW11B Brown owns is no ordinary relic it’s the exact chassis driven by Mansell to an unforgettable win at Silverstone in 1987. The race is remembered for Mansell’s remarkable comeback and daring pass on teammate Nelson Piquet after a puncture forced him to pit, costing him nearly 30 seconds.

“This was the car from that race one of Mansell’s favourites,” Brown said. “After the puncture, he came back out, broke the lap record 17 times, and made that incredible move on Piquet down the Hangar Straight. That moment is etched into British motorsport history.”

Brown acquired the car after negotiating it as part of a sponsorship agreement with Williams. “They asked what they could do for me, and I said, ‘Sell me a car.’ When they asked which one, I pointed at this the one I’d always wanted.”

Though Brown joked that it might raise eyebrows to see a McLaren executive in a Williams car, the outing is purely part of the heritage celebrations at Silverstone and won’t affect his leadership duties. “It might confuse people seeing the McLaren guy in a Williams, but I think fans will love it,” he laughed.

Meanwhile, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will continue McLaren’s fight for podiums and points as the team aims to keep pressure on the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari in the 2025 title race.

Brown’s participation in the historic demonstration highlights his deep connection to F1’s past as well as his commitment to its future balancing nostalgia with McLaren’s modern ambitions at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.