In the round-up: McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown days that McLaren getting involved in top level sportscar competition like IMSA and is a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’.
In brief
McLaren entering top level sportscar racing ‘a matter of when not if’ – Brown
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown days that McLaren getting involved in top level sportscar competition like IMSA is a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’.
The introduction of hypercars and LMDh classes into endurance sportscar racing in the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA series has seen a throng of manufacturers join with their own programmes – including Ferrari, Peugeot, BMW and Lamborghini among others.
Speaking on an episode of the Marshall Pruett podcast, Brown admitted McLaren’s participation in top level sportscar racing series like IMSA was something he felt the organisation should pursue.
“I really would like to get McLaren into top level sportscar racing,” Brown said. “I think we need to be there. I think it fits with our brand.
“I need to make sure that when – which is what I like to say versus ‘if’ we get involved – we need to be able to do it right and have everything else that we’re doing in a really good spot.
“I think it’s a few years away. We need to make a decision soon because we now know what we need to know in order to make a decision. It’s really dependent upon what else is going on in McLaren’s world as to the best time to enter.”
Stuck unimpressed Verstappen refused order
Max Verstappen’s refusal to follow an order from his Red Bull team in the Brazilian Grand Prix revealed a “lack of discipline”, according to former Formula 1 driver Hans-Joachim Stuck.
Red Bull told Verstappen to allow Sergio Perez to pass him on the final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix, but the world champion refused. Stuck, who scored two podium finishes during his six-year F1 career, says Verstappen was wrong to disobey them.
“The first commandment in Formula 1 is to follow the team’s instructions unconditionally, because the drivers have signed a contract,” he told Eurosport.
Stuck said his former team principal Bernie Ecclestone shared his view of the incident. “He was very clear there,” he said. “If one of his drivers hadn’t followed such an instruction, Bernie would have thrown him out.”
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
Jean Alesi’s Formula One Ferrari Could Get $3.1 Million at Auction (Barron’s)
“The 1991 Ferrari 643 that officially launched French racing driver Jean Alesi’s Formula 1 career will be auctioned in February at RM Sotheby’s in Paris. It has a presale estimate of between €2.9 million and €3.4 million (US$3.1 million and US$3.6 million). The sports car, with a chassis number of 127, remains in full running order, according to RM Sotheby’s. It boasts a 3.5-liter V12 engine producing over 710 brake horsepower, the available power of an engine, nearly six times what a regular car can reach.”
A very McLaren Christmas (McLaren)
“If at home you’re starting to feel motorsport withdrawal symptoms, we have a few suggestions for how you can spend the off-season, from McLaren-themed books and films to LEGO cars and even some activity-inspiring running gear…”
Doohan expecting to dominate next year after tough 2022 season (Formula 2)
“I’m just looking forward to next year. I know I’m gonna have a good package underneath me and I know I’m gonna have a good crew around me so I’m expecting nothing else but to dominate the Championship.”
Trying Veganuary This Year? Paul McCartney and Lewis Hamilton Want to Help (Veg News)
“Global non-profit organization Veganuary is making going vegan in January (and beyond) even easier this year with the release of The Vegan Kit. The kit is a gift box of advice and inspiration cards providing all you need to know to go vegan, including motivational messages from compassionate celebrities such as Paul McCartney, Lewis Hamilton, Sara Pascoe, Evanna Lynch, and Chris Packham.”
Hey, Jay // Sit down with IndyCar president Jay Frye (IndyCar via YouTube)
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