Zak Brown Alleges Max Verstappen Dictates Red Bull Operations, Team 'Afraid' of Losing Him
McLaren CEO Zak Brown provocatively suggests in his new book that Max Verstappen effectively runs the Red Bull F1 team, with everyone seemingly "afraid" of the four-time champion. Brown claims Red Bull's car is tailored to Verstappen, and the team deliberately avoids signing a second driver who could pose a threat, all stemming from their "terrified" fear of losing him. He contrasts this 'one-man team' approach with McLaren's ethos, which champions fair competition.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has made a striking claim, suggesting that four-time world champion Max Verstappen holds the reins at Red Bull Racing, effectively running the team rather than being led by it. Brown's comments, published in his new book Seven Tenths of a Second, paint a picture of a team "subservient" to its star driver, with significant implications for team dynamics and driver selection.
Why it matters:
Zak Brown's assertion that Verstappen dictates terms at Red Bull shines a light on the potential power imbalances within top F1 teams. This dynamic, if true, could explain Red Bull's consistent focus on tailoring the car to Verstappen's unique driving style and their controversial approach to second driver selection, potentially stifling internal competition and affecting team strategy. It also highlights the extreme measures teams might take to retain a generational talent.
The details:
- Verstappen's 'Rule': Brown explicitly states, "it actually feels like Max is running the team," suggesting that Verstappen, not Team Principal Christian Horner, is the ultimate decision-maker. He further adds that "Everyone seems to be subservient to him. Everyone seems to be afraid of him."
- Car Tailoring: The McLaren CEO claims the RB20 car is "tailored to Max, to a point where it seems difficult for anyone else to drive it effectively." This bespoke design philosophy could explain the performance gap between Verstappen and his teammates.
- Second Driver Selection: Brown argues that Red Bull deliberately avoids choosing a second driver who could challenge Verstappen, citing Carlos Sainz as an "obvious choice" for 2025 who was overlooked due to this strategy. This selective approach ensures Verstappen remains the undisputed number one.
- Fear of Loss: Brown suggests Red Bull is "terrified" of losing Verstappen, especially given earlier rumors linking him to Mercedes amidst the team's internal turmoil. This fear, he believes, drives their strategy to keep him happy "above all else," even if it means becoming a "one-man team."
Between the lines:
Brown's commentary isn't just an observation; it's a statement about McLaren's own team ethos. He explicitly contrasts Red Bull's alleged structure with how he intends to lead McLaren, emphasizing that "unfairness" and "stifling of competition" are not part of McLaren's company ethos. This implies a commitment to fostering a more balanced and competitive internal environment, where both drivers are given equal opportunity.
What's next:
While Red Bull has not officially responded to Brown's specific claims, the dynamic between Verstappen and the team will likely remain a topic of discussion. As the 2026 technical regulations approach, the stability of top driver contracts and team structures will be under increased scrutiny. Brown's remarks set a clear distinction between McLaren's aspirational team culture and what he perceives as Red Bull's current reality, potentially influencing how other teams approach their driver management strategies in the future.