In a race filled with drama and tension, Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, took a bold stance against Red Bull’s handling of Max Verstappen during the recent Austrian Grand Prix. Brown openly criticized the team’s choice not to guide Verstappen, especially during his heated clash with Lando Norris, calling their behavior “inappropriate.”
Zak Brown didn’t hold back when discussing Red Bull’s communication with Max Verstappen. He found it “inappropriate” that the team refrained from offering any guidance or feedback when Verstappen was entangled in a battle with McLaren’s Lando Norris. According to Brown, this lack of communication was glaringly obvious, especially when Christian Horner seemed to deflect blame onto Norris instead.
During a chat with Sky Sports F1 amid the British Grand Prix weekend, Brown was questioned about Christian Horner’s radio message post-Austrian Grand Prix. Horner had suggested that Norris was at fault, a statement Brown firmly disagreed with. “I thought that was very incorrect,” Brown stated, pointing out that feeding such information to a driver was not just misleading but also contradicted the stewards’ decision.
Brown referenced Verstappen’s 10-second penalty during the race, highlighting how it was deserved due to the failure to provide a full car width during an overtaking attempt by Norris. This penalty, Brown argued, was a testament to Verstappen’s unsporting behavior – something he believed was becoming a pattern.
The race itself was nothing short of thrilling. After a sluggish pit stop, Verstappen found his seven-second lead over Norris shrinking, allowing the British driver to challenge for the lead. Norris made several attempts to overtake, only to be rebuffed each time. Their battle climaxed on Lap 64 when contact led to punctured tires for both, forcing Norris to retire while Verstappen managed to finish fifth.
What particularly irked Brown was Red Bull’s silence regarding Norris’ five-second penalty for a track limits violation. “You would have preferred Red Bull to say look, Max, you can’t do that, or given him some guidance?” Brown was queried. He emphasized that McLaren would have informed its drivers of such penalties, suggesting that this lack of communication might have cost Verstappen a better race finish.
Brown speculated that had Verstappen been aware of the penalty, he could have adjusted his strategy, possibly choosing a different way to secure a win. This lack of insight, Brown implied, could have been a missed opportunity for Verstappen, who is recognized as an intelligent driver capable of making strategic decisions.
This incident has certainly intensified the rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull, with Brown making it clear that they would have acted differently. The aftermath of the Austrian GP left fans and racers alike reflecting on the significance of team communication and strategy in such high-stakes situations.
Zak Brown’s open criticism of Red Bull underscores a lingering sentiment about the importance of effective communication between team and driver. As the Formula 1 season progresses, such incidents not only fuel rivalries but also remind teams of the intricate dynamics of racing. Brown’s remarks shine a light on strategic decisions that can alter the course of a race, emphasizing the need for clear and timely guidance within the highly competitive world of F1.
