Memorial Day Weekend is heaven for motorsport enthusiasts. This weekend brings some of the marquee events on the racing calendar each year. Sunday night sees the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, the longest race on the schedule and one of the most fascinating each year, given elements such as the day-to-night transition as a result of the start time.
However, earlier in the day racing fans are treated to the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, the crown jewel of the F1 calendar, as well as a global event, the Indianapolis 500. This makes for a busy Sunday for McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. McLaren has six drivers competing this weekend.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will look to keep McLaren F1’s hot streak alive on the Monte Carlo Streets, and then Arrow McLaren has four drivers in the Indianapolis 500, all of whom are starting inside the top 15. For added measure one of those drivers, NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson, is trying to do “The Double,” as he’ll leave the Indianapolis 500 and make the trip to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600. Ahead of this busy weekend, sat down with Brown to talk about the team’s start to the F1 season, the mystique of the Indianapolis 500, Arrow McLaren’s chances in the Indianapolis 500, and more.
It is hard to imagine a bigger turnaround for a Formula 1 team than what we have seen from McLaren over the past calendar year. Take, as a reference point, the Miami Grand Prix. Last year’s installment of the Miami Grand Prix was a rather diffi.