McLaren CEO Zak Brown is set to give fans a thrilling experience during the 2025 British Grand Prix weekend by taking the iconic 1987 Williams FW11B Formula 1 car for a spin around the Silverstone Circuit. This legendary car, famously driven by Nigel Mansell, has been fully restored and is now ready for its grand return to the track. Brown, who is an avid fan of Formula 1 and IndyCar, shared his excitement about the upcoming event during an exclusive guided tour of his impressive car collection.
Watch Zak Brown bring F1 glory days to life with special demo run at 2025 British GP
"I'll take this out at the British Grand Prix this year, which I think the fans are gonna absolutely love. I'm gonna personally take it out. So, I'm gonna drive this next week in Spain as I've never driven it," Zak Brown explained, standing next to the stunning 1987 Williams FW11B. His enthusiasm was palpable as he mentioned his upcoming drive in Spain, a vital step before taking it to the British Grand Prix. "We've just had it fully restored here, it's been shaken down, it's ready to go," he added.
How Zak Brown started his car collection + the stories behind the vehicles 👏
Brown also reflected on the car's historical significance, noting its role in Mansell's unforgettable performances. "This is the car... 1987, he won a lot of races. He said this was his favourite car to drive," Brown continued. For Formula 1 fans, the FW11B is forever etched in history, especially for its performance in the 1987 British Grand Prix, where Mansell, after suffering a tyre puncture, went on to break the track record by completing 17 consecutive laps. He capped off that stunning performance with a memorable overtaking move on Nelson Piquet to secure victory.
The car holds a special place for Brown, who has forged a close friendship with Mansell. "I've become good friends with Nigel, and he spends a lot of time with Lando," Brown shared. His connection to Mansell is personal and professional, as Brown went on to explain how he acquired the car. "I got this when I did a sponsorship deal for Williams. [They said] 'What can we ever do for you?' I was like 'you can sell me a car!'"
The British Grand Prix is known for its tradition of showcasing historic F1 cars, and Brown’s drive in the FW11B will be a standout moment for fans at Silverstone. Last year, former world champion Jenson Button brought the FW22 to life on track during the F1 weekend, adding to the excitement of this celebrated event.
As McLaren’s CEO takes the wheel of this historic car, Formula 1 enthusiasts can look forward to a moment of nostalgia and sheer racing brilliance at the 2025 British Grand Prix.
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