McLaren F1 News: Zak Brown RESIGNS in shock move

Zak Brown, Bahrain GP, McLaren, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

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McLaren chief RESIGNS in shock move

The American CEO has pulled out from his Andretti role

Kevin McKenna

Wednesday 2 October 2024 18:55 Updated: 18:24

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McLaren CEO Zak Brown has resigned from his role with Andretti having taken up a new position with the motorsport rival.

The American has transformed the fortunes of the iconic British outfit in recent years, taking them to within touching distance this season of a first constructors' title since 1998 in Formula 1.

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Spearheaded by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren have continued to chip away at the gap to Red Bull, and finally managed to overhaul the reigning champions at the top of the standings last month.

It appeared as though the 52-year-old was eager to get involved in building another success story with Andretti, who have been attempting to break into F1 and join the grid as an 11th team.

Their entry bid was initially granted by the FIA in 2023, before Formula One Management (FOM) rejected them.

Zak Brown has transformed the fortunes of McLaren since taking over in 2018

Andretti are still aiming to become the 11th team on the F1 grid

Brown backs out of fresh challenge

With Andretti's plans on hold following the rejection, the brand refused to let their ambitions be deterred, opening a new facility at Silverstone Park as they work towards securing a coveted spot on the grid.

The team have also undergone some recent changes to their ownership structure, with former F1 driver Michael Andretti stepping down from his role to take up a 'strategic' position away from the day-to-day operational side of the business.

Businessman Dan Towriss is now expected to take on the role of primary owner within the team.

Michael Andretti recently stepped down from his ownership role at the team

F1 hopefuls had received a further boost when the addition of Brown was noted, who, according to official documents released by the team, had been appointed to the board of directors of Andretti Acquisition Group Corp. II.

Having been vocally supportive of the team's F1 entry in the past, Brown's resignation has now come as a shock.

In an SEC filing seen by GPFans it was confirmed: "On September 30, 2024, Zakary C. Brown resigned as a member of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Andretti Acquisition Corp. II (the “Company”) as well as from his position as a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board.

"Mr. Brown’s departure was not the result of any disagreement with management or the Board on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices."

F1 McLaren Zak Brown