Business F1 Top 20 Petrolheads: Zak Brown, collector, driver and Formula 1 great

“You can’t help but be impressed by Zak’s energy, dynamism and instinctive business sense. To me, Zak is the only businessman in the pitlane with a very clear vision of where he wants to go. This industry is full of amateurs, so I find it very exciting to work with Zak,” says John Hogan, former Marlboro manager with a strategic vision that led him to monopolize Formula 1 through major sponsorship deals with McLaren and Ferrari. These words are the best endorsement for the young American who, at the beginning of the 2000s, began to deal with Formula 1. Hogan wasn't wrong: Zak Brown, a former professional driver and NASCAR sponsorship agent, quickly grasped the immense potential of the World Championship after moving to Europe.

Brown's agency grew rapidly with Hogan, who had left Marlboro by his side, eventually making him very wealthy. He sold half of his company to Spire Capital Partners and another 30% to the advertising giant WPP and Credit Suisse to fund expansion, keeping just 20% for himself. Then, in 2013, they sold the entire agency for $76 million. For Brown, it was time for new experiences: He returned to serious racing and created his own team, United Autosports, which also raced McLaren Gran Turismos. Despite this, Brown remained connected to Formula 1 and, in 2016, seized the opportunity to lead McLaren, stepping into the shoes of Ron Dennis. This was a challenging role, as Dennis, despite a difficult period, had been one of the most successful team principals in Formula One history.