Zak Brown

Zak Brown impressed by Jos Verstappen: 'I enjoyed him!'

21:03, 27 Aug 2025

Updated: 22:36, 27 Aug 2025

byEstéban den Toom

Zak Brown has fond memories of the Netherlands, where the Dutch Grand Prix takes place at Zandvoort this weekend. He lived in the country for a time and spoke in Amsterdam about his experiences with Jos Verstappen.

Brown knows the Dutch racing scene well. In 1992, he spent a year in Deurne, North Brabant, partly to pursue racing. He competed in the Benelux Formula Opel Lotus Championship alongside Jos Verstappen, who left a lasting impression on the future McLaren team owner.

Max Verstappen with Jos Verstappen.

Zak Brown on Jos Verstappen

"Jos practically won everything!'' the American from McLaren commented at the team's big announcement.

''Jos is really such a driver who was much more talented than his final results might suggest. He never really got a fair chance in Formula 1.''

''Of course, Jos was next to Michael Schumacher at Benetton, which was perhaps not ideal for him. I enjoyed my time in the Netherlands and it was always my dream to race for McLaren".

These comments from Brown came during the announcement of Mastercard as McLaren’s principal sponsor. In Amsterdam, on the Wednesday ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, it was also revealed that the team will adopt a new name.

Starting in 2026, when the new Formula 1 regulations come into effect, the team will be known as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team.