Zak Brown brings back to life Mansell’s iconic 1987 Williams

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In a spine-tingling tribute to Formula 1’s golden era, McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown treated the Silverstone crowd to a spectacular moment ahead of Saturday’s British Grand Prix qualifying – slipping behind the wheel of none other than Nigel Mansell’s legendary 1987 Williams FW11B.

This isn’t just any piece of F1 history; this exact chassis carried Mansell to one of his most iconic wins on home soil, and now lives proudly in Brown’s personal collection.

Armed with a fire-breathing 1.5-litre V6 turbo engine cranking out over 800 horsepower, the FW11B dominated the '87 season – and seeing it scream around Silverstone again was nothing short of magic. Brown didn’t just drive it; he brought it back to life in front of thousands of roaring fans.

After stepping out of the cockpit, still buzzing from the adrenaline, the McLaren chief shared the moment with fans online:

"Incredibly special to drive the 1987 Grand Prix winning Williams FW11B around Silverstone this morning, 38 years after Nigel Mansell raced it to victory here in one of the most epic races of all time. What an experience!"

An unforgettable moment where past met present – loudly, proudly, and at full boost.

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.