Zak Brown revives Andretti’s iconic Lotus 79 at Imola

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McLaren CEO Zak Brown was grinning like a kid in a candy store on Saturday at Imola as he took part in the day’s historic F1 demo run at the wheel of Mario Andretti’s iconic championship winning Lotus 79.

The legendary machine – F1’s genuine first wing car – is of course part of Brown’s remarkable collection of racers accumulated over the years.

The American was more than happy to tear up the track between his F1 team’s official practice sessions for the Emilia Romagna GP, gushing on social media.

“Awesome to be out on track at Imola with @unitedautosports in the Lotus 79 that @MarioAndretti won the 1978 World Championship. What a circuit!"

Not one to rest on his laurels, Brown’s already eyeing his next joyride that will take place at the British GP at Silverstone onboard Nigel Mansell’s 1987 Williams FW11B.

Clearly, the McLaren chief’s need for speed knows no bounds!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.