McLaren boss set for stunning Williams switch at British GP
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown is set to take to the track at the British Grand Prix this season, but not in his usual McLaren machinery. Instead, Brown will be driving Nigel Mansell’s iconic Williams FW11B from 1987, a car that holds a special place in Formula 1 history.
The FW11B, which is part of Brown’s private collection, was the chassis Mansell drove to victory at the 1987 British Grand Prix, a win that is still remembered fondly by F1 fans today. Mansell’s audacious overtaking move on his teammate Nelson Piquet, where he clawed back almost half a minute to seal victory, is etched in the memories of those who witnessed it.
Brown, who will drive the FW11B around Silverstone alongside other historic cars, is thrilled to have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of such an iconic machine. “I’ll take this out at the British Grand Prix this year, which I think the fans are gonna absolutely love,” the 53-year-old told ESPN during a tour of his private collection.
The McLaren CEO, who has a deep passion for historic racing cars, has only recently had the FW11B fully restored and is eager to take it for a spin. “I’m gonna personally take it out… so I’m gonna drive this [privately] in Spain, as I’ve never driven it. We’ve just had it fully restored here. It’s been shaken down, it’s ready to go,” Brown explained.
Brown’s decision to drive the FW11B at the British Grand Prix is sure to delight fans, who will be treated to the sight of the iconic Williams car in action. However, Brown joked that some fans might be confused to see the McLaren CEO driving a Williams car. “And I think the fans are gonna love this around the British Grand Prix, but might be a bit confused [as to] why the McLaren guy is in Williams,” he quipped.
The FW11B is a significant part of F1 folklore, and Brown is honored to have it in his collection. “This is the car, 1987… won a lot of races. He [Mansell] said this was his favorite car to drive,” Brown said. “This was, if you remember, the very famous British Grand Prix where he was leading, had a tire puncture, and then he went out and he broke the track record, I think it was 17 laps in a row, and did that famous move on the end of the straight on Nelson Piquet to win the British Grand Prix.”
Brown’s acquisition of the FW11B is a fascinating story in itself. The McLaren CEO revealed that he purchased the car from Williams as part of a sponsorship deal. “‘What can we ever do for you?’ [the team asked Brown], it’s like: ‘You can sell me a car. Can’t give me a car, because that wouldn’t be right, but you’re gonna sell me one,'” Brown recalled. “And they were like: ‘Which one do you want?’ And I’m like: ‘That one,'” he said, pointing at the FW11B.
As Brown prepares to take the FW11B for a spin at the British Grand Prix, fans are in for a treat. The sight of the iconic Williams car in action, driven by the McLaren CEO, is sure to be a highlight of the weekend.
