McLaren chief Zak Brown has told Kyle Larson to "apologise for nothing" after the NASCAR champion was left disappointed with his maiden Indy 500 outing.
Larson raced an IndyCar for the very first time on Sunday as he took part in the sport's most famous event. And there was plenty of hype around the 31-year-old especially after he qualified fifth in the #17 Hendrick Cars Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.
The race itself didn't go his way, though. It started several hours late after storms in the area and the disruption didn't help Larson who slipped back during the race and finished 18th - a result which clearly left him heartbroken.
Larson was also gutted that the rain delay in Indianapolis meant that he could not complete 'The Double' - he had planned to catch a flight to Charlotte to also take part in the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same day - as planned. The American took to social media to share his feelings.
He wrote: "What I thought could be one of the best days of my life quickly turned into one of the most disappointing ones I've ever experienced. I hate it for Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, HAG, Hendrick Motorsports, everyone a part of the #5 [NASCAR] team, everyone on the #17 IndyCar for speeding, my family, my friends, my fans, and the documentary crew that has followed along the journey the past eight months.
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"So much time, money, and effort went into this experience and it just kills me to have it all end the way it did. I feel like I let so many people down. We knew all along weather could throw a wrench into things but seeing it come to reality is a horrible feeling.
"Up until Sunday it was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. I can't describe how appreciative I am of everyone's support of me to live out a dream. I hope it's not the last opportunity I have to try the Double but if it is I guess it was memorable.
Zak Brown is CEO of McLaren Racing (Getty Images)"Thank you to everyone at Arrow McLaren, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and all the competitors there for making me feel welcomed. Ready to get back on track now and get refocused on winning a second championship for our team."
Larson received an outpouring of support from fans on social media in response to his statement. And one of those who showed him some love was McLaren CEO Brown, who said he would be up for more collaborations in the future.
The 52-year-old wrote: "Dude, apologise for nothing. You drove like the champion you are. Team loved working with you and would love to do it again. No doubt you can win it! You're a special breed!"
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