What do MLB stars have in common with the best Formula One drivers?
Few are better suited to answer that question than Zak Brown, the CEO of world-famous McLaren Racing. Brown, a lifelong baseball fan, took his shot at several high-profile comparisons on the latest episode of the 6-1-1 Podcast, co-hosted by former Phillies stars Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins.
Among the comparisons, Brown said that Max Verstappen, a four-time champion, reminds him of Barry Bonds.
“Max never misses,” Brown said. “... Barry had a little bit of an edge to him, from what I hear in the clubhouse. So Max has a little bit of edge to him. But [he is] damn good.”
Brown showed love to a pair of Dodgers sluggers, likening Freddie Freeman to Lando Norris and Mookie Betts to Lewis Hamilton. He also said that Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is like Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc is similar to Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper.
“Charles has got some emotion in his game, which I love,” Brown explained. “And I’ve seen enough of Bryce over the years -- when he gets agitated, he’ll let you know.”
“And don’t agitate him, because that’s when he goes off,” Rollins added.
Those fun comparisons were just a part of the wide-ranging interview with Brown, who helped McLaren Racing win the 2024 World Constructors’ Championship. Although he grew up in California, Brown is a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan; Tom Herr remains his favorite player.
“I’m a bit of a walking encyclopedia,” said Brown, who has been to 26 MLB stadiums. “... My youngest son is named McGuire -- but spelled differently.”
He’s also an avid collector, boasting an impressive memorabilia display that includes one of Albert Pujols' Gold Gloves and Jimmie Foxx’s 1933 All-Star Game trophy.
The 6-1-1 Podcast is available on MLB.com, MLB.TV, all podcast platforms and YouTube.