McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown took to the iconic Wrigley Field on Friday, joining Cincinnati Reds star Hunter Greene for a batting practice session ahead of the Reds’ season opener against the Chicago Cubs.
Brown stepped into the batter’s box wearing a customised Reds jersey gifted by Greene, along with his papaya McLaren Racing cap. The batting practice saw pitches delivered by Reds’ first-base coach Collin Cowgill.
While speaking to MLB.com, the McLaren chief explained:
“First of all, I’m a big baseball guy. Kind of more of a baseball guy than a racing guy. So I’ve been fortunate through racing, a lot of the ballplayers are racing fans. I went to the All-Star Game last year and built some nice relationships. I’ve let them play on the racetrack and they let me play on the field.”
He added: “I’m buddies with Ian [Happ] and Hunter and the MLB guys. I like all baseball.”
Greene shared the moment on social media, writing: “Just two good friends @ZBrownCEO sharing each other’s passions and rolling out the carpet to have a little fun. We both love baseball and very fast [cars].”
Brown’s visit came just days after McLaren’s successful Monaco Grand Prix, where Lando Norris secured his maiden victory at the Principality from pole position and his team-mate Oscar Piastri took home third.
While speaking to Sky Sports F1 following the Monaco Grand Prix celebrations, Brown explained:
Zak Brown, McLaren
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images
“A bit sticky right now, but I’ll take it any day of the week. What a great race. Charles drove brilliantly. Max was awesome. And of course my two guys were, and the strategy was great. It was an exciting race. Maybe a little bit more exciting than we would have liked, but I’m sure it was good on TV.
“It was great. It was pretty much a perfect weekend. Couldn’t be happier. Big day for points for everyone. Excited to win Monaco, it’s the big one.”
McLaren leads both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships. Despite Norris’ Monaco success, Piastri leads the drivers’ standings by just three points. Brown commented on this following the Monte Carlo race:
“I reminded Oscar, I know you’re bummed you finished third, but you’re still leading the championship. So it’s going to get fun the second half of the year, but they’re up for it and I’m excited to see them race.”
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