Zak Brown: “Never fallen so low in 25 years of career”

What are the reasons for your failure?

I don't know all the details yet, but I would say that we simply weren't prepared enough, especially me. For example, for the tests in Texas (April 9, Editor's note), we had to make our own steering wheel, but we didn't finish it in time. Carlin finally helped us find one at the last minute. In motorsport, there are ups and downs, but in my 25-year career, I have never fallen this low.

What would you do differently?

Already, I would have mobilized Gil (de Ferran, sports director. Editor's note) full-time sooner, but we promised not to compromise our program F1 and I couldn't redirect it to theIndyCar before the arrival of Andreas Seidl (new team principal of McLaren. Editor’s note). When Gil arrived, we were already too late and I did not react to the warning signs in time. Maybe because my attention was also taken up by F1.

Do you think you'll come back?

Yes, but all bases will need to be covered. In any case, we want to come back as McLaren, even if that does not exclude having recourse to a strategic partner, especially if we want to field several cars. You also have to ask yourself if you need to participate in a few races beforehand to be ready.

And you will come back with Alonso ?

I think Fernando will want to come back, and it would be good to come back with him. But we're going to take the time before talking about it. In any case, whether he is up for it or not will not influence our decision, because the reasons why we think McLaren should be in IndyCar remain relevant. It's a big market and our partners want to be there.