Zak Brown
Zak Brown is an American businessman and former professional racing driver best known as the chief executive officer of McLaren Racing.
Zak Brown is an American businessman and former professional racing driver, best known as the chief executive officer of McLaren Racing. He was born on 7 November 1971 in Los Angeles and began his career as a professional driver before moving into motorsport business roles. Under his leadership, McLaren won the Formula 1 Constructors' Championship in 2024 and 2025. McLaren competes in Formula 1, a series with a large Canadian fanbase and strong Canadian media coverage, making Brown a familiar figure to Canadian motorsport audiences.
Early life and racing career
Zak Brown was born on 7 November 1971 in Los Angeles, California. He pursued a career as a professional racing driver for approximately ten years before transitioning to business roles in motorsport. His early interest in motorsport was influenced by an encounter with Mario Andretti.
Motorsport marketing and business career
In 1995, Brown founded JMI, a motorsport marketing agency that grew into a leading firm in the industry. The company was acquired by CSM in 2013, after which Brown continued in motorsport management and commercial roles.
McLaren Racing leadership
Brown joined McLaren in 2016 as executive director and became CEO of McLaren Racing in 2018 following an operational restructuring. As CEO, he has overseen the team’s commercial, strategic and organisational direction. Under his leadership, McLaren regained competitiveness in Formula 1 and won the Constructors’ Championship in 2024 and 2025.
United Autosports and other ventures
Brown co-founded United Autosports, a professional sportscar racing team that competes in international events and historic races. He has also been associated with other motorsport projects, including IndyCar-related operations.
Key facts
- Zak Brown began his career as a professional racing driver before founding the marketing agency JMI.
- He became CEO of McLaren Racing in 2018 and led the team to Formula 1 Constructors' Championships in 2024 and 2025.
- He co-founded United Autosports, a sportscar racing team.
- JMI, founded in 1995, grew into a major motorsport marketing agency before being acquired in 2013.
- Brown was born on 7 November 1971 in Los Angeles.
McLaren competes in Formula 1, a series with a large Canadian fanbase and strong Canadian media coverage, so Brown is a familiar figure to Canadian motorsport audiences.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Zak Brown?
When was Zak Brown born?
What is Zak Brown known for in Formula 1?
Did Zak Brown race professionally?
What company did Zak Brown found?
What is United Autosports?
References
- McLaren Racing — https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/zak-brown/Supports: Biographical details, CEO role, JMI founding, United Autosports, and current responsibilities.
- Formula 1 — https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/f1-explains-what-its-like-to-be-an-f1-team-boss-with-mclarens-zak-brown-live.3UE155blPBnvz89py3mYuoSupports: Role as McLaren team boss, management responsibilities, and leadership approach.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zak_BrownSupports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, and career timeline including McLaren appointments.
- BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002n7v9Supports: Profile of Brown, background as ex-racing driver and marketing expert, and early motorsport influences.
- Motorsport Magazine — https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/april-2026/86/zak-brown-the-outsider-who-rebuilt-mclaren-into-f1s-benchmark/Supports: Summary of McLaren results under Brown, including Constructors’ Championships in 2024 and 2025.