When Zak Brown joined McLaren Racing in 2016, he discovered a storied organization badly in need of a reboot. The team was firmly in the midfield, finishing sixth that season and experiencing record low sponsorship. Around the paddock, the workforce was disgruntled, and a culture of distrust had set in. Partners were fleeing, and fans were angry.

Brown spoke with TIME about this chase for the F1 title, the keys to his sport’s continued growth in the U.S., and his biggest mistake.