{"id":325632,"date":"2025-08-07T16:30:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T16:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/325632\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T16:30:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T16:30:11","slug":"a-mid-season-letter-from-zak-brown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/325632\/","title":{"rendered":"A mid-season letter from Zak Brown"},"content":{"rendered":"

A sea of papaya<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ahead of this year\u2019s British Grand Prix<\/a>, there were two events that I want to highlight, which I\u2019m particularly proud of. The first was the release of F1: The Movie, which is set to become the highest-grossing film of Brad Pitt\u2019s career. When I saw the film for the first time, I was blown away by how it captured the speed, sound, and vibrancy of Formula 1. It did a brilliant job of bringing the sport to life on the big screen. In fact, I think some of the cinematic techniques used in the motion picture could even enhance how we broadcast F1 in future.<\/p>\n

I thought it would be a nice idea to invite Brad to experience a real Formula 1 car<\/a>. So at the end of June, we got him into one of our McLarens at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. Lando was on hand to offer some advice, and I have to say, Brad did a great job. He was understandably a little nervous – as anyone would be – but he took it seriously, asked all the right questions, and really engaged with the team. I think he may be the first non-professional to drive a two-year-old F1 car, and that\u2019s quite an achievement.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

An epic couple of days in London, bringing all things Papaya to over 30,000 fans in Trafalgar Square.<\/p>\n

Huge thanks to our amazing partners who supported the event, offering incredible experiences from garage tours to sim racing and pit stop challenges. Amazing also to have so\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/SxgXhqOPlx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) July 4, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The film can play a really important role in helping to grow Formula 1 by taking the sport to a new audience. It also offers a crucial touchpoint by helping fans to get closer to the sport and develop a deeper understanding of its history, personalities and drama.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not just about the big screen. In the build-up to the British Grand Prix, we hosted our own event in central London: McLaren Racing Live<\/a>. It went far beyond our expectations. To see a sea of papaya filling Trafalgar Square was incredible. Forty thousand fans showed up to see the team on stage. Lando, Oscar and I loved being there. It was a powerful reminder of just how passionate and engaged the fanbase is and how much it continues to grow.<\/p>\n

A special mention here to our CMO Louise McEwen<\/a>. It was her vision, and the execution of her entire team, that brought this event to life. It was a huge production. It was brave and ambitious, but that is what McLaren is all about. It\u2019s about winning on and off the track. Events like these – whether it\u2019s the F1 movie, appearances at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, or the McLaren Racing Live event in London – aren\u2019t just feel-good moments, they\u2019re strategically important. They create unforgettable memories, deliver value to our partners and help inspire the next generation of fans.<\/p>\n