Zak Brown shares his disappointment over McLaren’s struggles during Fernando Alonso’s time with the team.
- Brown feels McLaren’s car wasn’t competitive enough during Alonso’s second stint.
- Fernando Alonso endured a frustrating period with McLaren due to engine issues.
- Alonso eventually left F1 but made a successful return with other teams.
- Brown praises Alonso’s talent and regrets McLaren couldn’t provide a better car.
Zak Brown, McLaren’s chief executive, recently expressed his regret that the team couldn’t deliver a stronger car for Fernando Alonso during his second F1 stint with them. Brown admitted, “It’s disappointing that we didn’t have a better car when he was racing with us.”
Alonso, who raced for McLaren in 2007 and then again from 2015 to 2018, faced numerous challenges. The partnership with Honda brought underpowered and unreliable engines, reducing the team to backmarker status. This frustration led Alonso to take a break from F1.
Returning to F1 in 2021, Alonso scored nine podiums with Alpine and Aston Martin, showcasing his talent despite McLaren’s struggles. Brown acknowledged this, saying, “If I put aside Lando [Norris] and Oscar [Piastri], because obviously I’m biased, I’d say Fernando Alonso is a pretty special talent.”
During their time together, Brown and Alonso maintained a strong relationship. Brown organized Alonso’s visits to the Indianapolis 500 and supported his ventures in other racing series. Despite McLaren’s shortcomings, Brown valued Alonso’s contributions and friendship.
After leaving F1 in 2018, Alonso returned for a test session with McLaren in 2019, praising the team’s progress. However, by that time, Alonso and McLaren had already parted ways amicably.
Brown concluded by praising Alonso’s ongoing performance, “It’s awesome to watch him race. He’s very smart and performs at a high level even as he gets older.”
It’s clear Zak Brown wishes McLaren could have matched Fernando Alonso’s talent with a better car.
Source: Planetf1
