Source – GPfans.com
The race in 2024 will not take place, according to an official declaration from the FIA.
Zak Brown, the influential leader who revived McLaren’s fortunes in Formula 1, has shocked the racing world by stepping down from his role with Andretti Acquisition Corp. II. Brown’s exit comes after a remarkable journey that saw McLaren rise from midfield strugglers to serious championship contenders, edging close to their first constructors’ title since 1998.
The McLaren team, spearheaded by the dynamic pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, has made significant strides under Brown’s leadership. After consistently closing the gap to the all-conquering Red Bull team throughout the season, McLaren finally managed to surpass them in the standings. This resurgence, driven by Brown’s visionary approach, seemed to herald a new era of success for the iconic British outfit, making his sudden departure even more unexpected.
In recent years, Brown had been drawn to another high-profile challenge—helping Michael Andretti’s team secure a coveted spot on the F1 grid. The Andretti team, which had initially been granted entry approval by the FIA in 2023, saw their bid rejected by Formula One Management (FOM), halting their aspirations to join as the 11th team. Yet despite this setback, Andretti’s ambitions remained undeterred. They opened a new facility at Silverstone Park, signaling their ongoing determination to eventually secure their place on the grid.
As part of Andretti’s F1 plans, Brown was appointed to the board of directors of Andretti Acquisition Group Corp. II, a move that had reinforced his support for their bid. Brown’s vocal backing was seen as a significant boost for the team’s chances. It was widely believed that Brown would help spearhead their efforts to break into the elite ranks of Formula 1, lending his expertise and global network to Andretti’s campaign.
However, in a stunning turn of events, Brown’s resignation was made official on September 30, 2024, with a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The filing confirmed that Brown had stepped down from his position on the board of Andretti Acquisition Corp. II as well as from his role on the company’s Compensation Committee. Importantly, the resignation was noted as amicable, with no disagreements or conflicts between Brown and the management of Andretti’s group cited as reasons for his departure.
Brown’s exit raises many questions about his future and the next chapter for Andretti as they continue to push for entry into Formula 1. With Michael Andretti stepping back into a more strategic role and businessman Dan Towriss set to take over as primary owner, the team’s leadership structure is undergoing significant changes. Meanwhile, Brown’s decision to back out of what many saw as his next great challenge leaves fans and analysts speculating about the motivation behind this unexpected move.
Brown’s legacy at McLaren is firmly established—he played a central role in transforming the team into one capable of fighting for wins again. As McLaren edges closer to title glory, his departure from the Andretti project signals a major shake-up in his career trajectory, though his influence on the sport remains undeniable.
As the Formula 1 world processes this news, one thing is clear: Zak Brown’s impact on McLaren and F1 has been immense, and his next move, whatever it may be, will be watched closely by fans, teams, and stakeholders alike. The shock resignation adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative of Andretti’s F1 entry bid and the shifting power dynamics within the sport’s ever-evolving landscape.
