Brown urges fans to open their 'hearts and minds to the magic'

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Zak Brown acknowledged the challenges faced by Formula 1 as it returns to action this weekend, but the McLaren boss is urging the sport's fans to open their hearts and minds to its magic.

In an open letter to McLaren's fans published ahead of this week's opening round of the F1 world championship, Brown recognized that bringing F1 to a standstill was perhaps a minor implication in the grand scheme of things of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

"As racers we are relieved and excited by the prospect of F1 roaring into life, but we should not shield ourselves from reality," said the McLaren boss.

"Over the course of last year’s Austrian Grand Prix weekend, the attendance was 203,000 people. It pales in comparison to the more than half a million people who, as of Tuesday, have died from covid-19.

"Even the British Grand Prix – the best-attended race of 2019 – with its tally of 351,000, doesn’t come close to this figure."

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However, despite the undeniable human and economic toll inflicted by the pandemic, Brown insists Formula 1 is right to kick off its 2020 campaign this week and highlights the sacrifices that have been made to get the season in gear.

"Critics may argue that now is not the time to go back racing. I have a different view," Brown wrote.

"Huge sacrifice has been made to get this far, but let’s not forget what we have sacrificed for.

To live. F1, like so many sports, brings joy to many millions of people around the world.

"Steve McQueen famously said: “Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting.” And we have waited.

"Whichever team someone supports, we are united by our passion for racing. Its capacity to stir the soul is unique. Its ability to shine a light on how far we’ve come and how far we can still go, has no limit.

"For now, F1 will return behind closed doors, but remember to open your hearts and minds to the magic of it all. We have waited for this moment and it is finally here.

"Friends, fans and fellow racers, now we race as one."

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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.