The Bottom Line Decisions That Made Me: Zak Brown (McLaren Racing, CEO)
Jul 31, 2025
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, shares his extraordinary journey from a troubled teenager to a motorsport executive. He reflects on winning Cartier watches from a teen Wheel of Fortune, which he sold to fund his go-karting passion. Brown discusses the pressures of managing a storied racing team through financial challenges and the pandemic. He highlights how effective leadership and strategic changes revitalized the brand, all while navigating the complexities of modern Formula 1.
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Wheel of Fortune Ignites Racing Dream
- Zak Brown started his racing career by winning Cartier watches on Teen Week of Wheel of Fortune and pawning them to buy a go-kart.
- This spontaneous decision launched his deep involvement in motorsport despite having no family background in racing.
Realizing Limits as Racer
- Zak was a good racer but never reached Formula One level, racing against future F1 drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya.
- Recognizing his limitations, he focused on mastering sponsorship and business aspects within racing.
From Racer to Sponsorship Agent
- Zak began doing sponsorship deals for others after his racing sponsorship with TWA Airlines, leading to his first deal with Nigel Mansell's team.
- This led to building his own sports marketing business from a rental house, growing from just himself to employing others.