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McLaren executive director Zak Brown believes IndyCar stars Josef Newgarden and Scott Dixon would be competitive in Formula 1. Brown was hitting back at statements made by Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, who claimed there are no current American drivers ready for F1.
Newgarden claimed his first ever IndyCar title in 2017, beating Dixon and others. Dixon, who has made his name in the US, races under a New Zealand license. The Kiwi has won four IndyCar championships and has previously tested Formula 1 cars.
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Brown opposed Steiner's comments, claiming that the two aforementioned drivers are talented racers: "I just remember the days of the Dan Gurneys and Mario Andrettis in multiple disciplines. I don’t see why we can’t do that here today," he said.
"I also disagree with Guenther Steiner’s comments. I like Guenther, but saying that none of the IndyCar drivers would be capable in a Formula 1 car, I disagree with that. There are a few I would put in."
"Specifically, I think Josef Newgarden is an outstanding talent. I think Scott Dixon is an outstanding talent. Someone like Scott Dixon reminds me of Fernando where he’s extremely fit, very dedicated, and is as fast as ever. I think Scott Dixon would be competitive in a Formula 1 car today."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
We dont know that since we havent seen them in an F1 car.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Have to disagree with zap here, the racers he suggested were quite capable, yet not suitable to f1 as they are now.
RenaultFM1
Posts: 100
you won a cheap point here Mr. Brown. Of course Steiner and Haas want's a US driver. But They have to go through same programs as others before ready. They never ben in cars so sofisticated tech wise and never been around Formula 1 tracks..But Mr Brown why do you not put them in a McLaren next year then so prove us all wrong.
f1ski
Posts: 726
Put ur money where your mouth is