Zak Brown Drives Nigel Mansell’s FW11B at Silverstone

A Glorious Throwback as McLaren Boss Takes to the Track in One of F1’s Most Legendary Machines

There are moments in motorsport when nostalgia, passion, and history converge on a single piece of tarmac. That’s precisely what happened at Silverstone, just ahead of the British Grand Prix qualifying sessions, when McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown stepped into the cockpit of a true legend: Nigel Mansell’s 1987 Williams FW11B.

For a few precious laps, time seemed to rewind 38 years. The familiar roars of a turbocharged V6 engine echoed across the iconic Northamptonshire circuit, and for those who remember the ’80s glory days of Formula 1, it was a spine-tingling sight. But for Zak Brown, this was much more than a PR stunt or a collector’s joyride — it was deeply personal.

A Drive Through History – Reliving One of Silverstone’s Finest Victories

The FW11B isn’t just any old race car. It’s one of the most dominant machines of its time — a 1.5-litre Honda-powered V6 turbo beast, capable of unleashing over 800 horsepower. In 1987, this car brought Nigel Mansell a legendary win at the British Grand Prix — arguably one of the greatest comebacks the sport has ever seen.

With just 29 laps to go, Mansell was trailing his teammate Nelson Piquet by nearly half a minute. But after a perfectly timed pit stop and a full boost setting on the engine, he clawed his way back into the race, breaking the lap record 11 times, and passed Piquet in front of a roaring home crowd on the very last lap. That final move, on the Hangar Straight, remains etched in F1 folklore.

Zak Brown, who now owns the very same chassis used in that historic win, brought the car back to Silverstone — the scene of its greatest triumph — for an emotional lap of honour.

From Collector to Driver – How Zak Brown Acquired the FW11B

Zak Brown, McLaren

In a conversation with ESPN, Zak Brown reflected on the journey that brought the FW11B into his hands. His acquisition of the car wasn’t planned — it came out of a sponsorship discussion with Williams:

“When I did a sponsorship deal with Williams,” Zak Brown explained, “they asked, ‘What can we do for you?’ I replied, ‘You could sell me a car.’”

It wasn’t as simple as asking for a favour. Zak Brown was adamant about keeping things professional — no freebies, no strings. But when Williams agreed to the idea, and asked which car he had in mind, the choice was immediate.

“I pointed straight at this one — Mansell’s car from Silverstone, 1987.”

The car now forms part of Zak Brown’s private collection, but it’s clearly more than a museum piece. It’s a living, breathing symbol of a golden age of motorsport — and for Zak Brown, the opportunity to actually drive it at Silverstone was a dream fulfilled.

“It Was Surreal” – Zak Brown’s Emotional Lap in the FW11B

As part of the Saturday showcase during the 2025 British Grand Prix weekend, Zak Brown took to the track in the FW11B, just hours before qualifying began. Dressed in a retro-inspired Williams fireproof suit, he eased the turbocharged icon out onto the asphalt — the same circuit where it made history nearly four decades earlier.

“To drive Nigel Mansell’s 1987 British Grand Prix-winning FW11B around Silverstone, exactly 38 years later, was just surreal,” Zak Brown shared on social media. “It was one of the most special experiences of my life.”

He continued:

“This car witnessed one of the most epic races in Formula 1 history, and to be behind its wheel, even for just a few laps, was absolutely incredible.”

Nigel Mansell and Zak Brown – A Friendship Forged in Racing Passion

One of the sweetest aspects of this moment is the genuine friendship that has developed between Zak Brown and Nigel Mansell over the years. Though their careers are separated by time and context — one a racing icon, the other a team principal and business mogul — they’ve found common ground in their mutual love for the sport.

“Nigel and I have become good friends,” Zak Brown said. “He also spends a lot of time with Lando (Norris), which is great to see.”

Brown’s reverence for Mansell is evident — not just in his words, but in the way he treats the FW11B. This isn’t a collector looking to flip an asset. This is a lifelong racing fan, now living his dream among the very legends he idolized.

Looking Ahead to Goodwood – The FW11B Rides Again

The Silverstone outing was just a preview of what’s to come. Next week, the legendary FW11B will be making another public appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will take part in the traditional hill climb alongside its younger cousin, the FW14B.

Even more exciting? Nigel Mansell himself will be back behind the wheel of the FW11, marking the first time he’s driven the car since the 1980s. For fans of that era, it promises to be a deeply emotional and unforgettable reunion.

This year’s Goodwood Festival celebrates 75 years of the Formula 1 World Championship, and with icons like the FW11 and FW14B taking centre stage, it’s set to be a love letter to the sport’s most glorious decades.

Why This Matters – More Than Just a Demo Run

In an era when F1 is becoming increasingly corporate and sanitized, gestures like Zak Brown’s tribute lap matter. They remind fans — both new and old — that racing is as much about heritage as it is about innovation. That the cars, and the people who drove them, still hold meaning long after the checkered flag.

And for those who grew up watching Mansell wrestle with turbo monsters around places like Silverstone, this was more than nostalgia — it was validation. That era mattered. It still matters.

Final Thoughts – When Past Meets Present on the Same Tarmac

It’s easy to forget how visceral, raw, and dangerous Formula 1 used to be. Watching Zak Brown fire up the FW11B — its turbo spool piercing the air, its rear tyres struggling for grip — was a powerful reminder of just how far we’ve come, and how much we owe to the pioneers who pushed these machines to their limits.

As the British Grand Prix weekend heads into its final day, the echo of 1987 lingers in the air. For a few magical minutes, thanks to Zak Brown, the past wasn’t just remembered — it was relived.