In a recent interview with Motorsport.com before the Toronto street race, Brown expressed his dissatisfaction with the series, focusing on the need for improved officiating. He described recent races in Detroit and Laguna as poorly managed, citing issues with restart procedures and overall race execution.
While acknowledging the efforts of race steward Max Papis and IndyCar president Jay Frye, Brown criticized the lenient penalties that he believes encourage reckless driving. He suggested adopting a Formula 1-style penalty system, where drivers receive a time penalty added to their next pit stop, to improve race quality.
Brown also raised concerns about the large number of cars in the IndyCar field. He argued for a shift from prioritizing car count to focusing on quality, proposing a more manageable number of cars — around 20 to 24 — to enhance the racing experience.
Brown’s comments reflect a perspective heavily influenced by Formula 1, which contrasts with IndyCar’s approach and history. Despite the series’ evolution since the reunification of CART and Champ Car in 2008, Brown’s critique highlights ongoing challenges and the significant strides the series has made since its inception.