Zak Brown Calls Out Verstappen's 'Arrogance' and 'Overly Aggressive' Moves

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has publicly stated that Max Verstappen can be "too aggressive" on track, attributing this to his "arrogance." While acknowledging Verstappen's status as a four-time world champion, Brown believes the Red Bull driver has "crossed the line" in certain on-track encounters, specifically citing his battles with Lewis Hamilton.

Why it matters:

Zak Brown's comments reignite the long-standing debate about Verstappen's aggressive racing style and its impact on the sport. As McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are set to challenge Verstappen for the 2025 title, Brown's remarks highlight the competitive tension and the differing philosophies on acceptable on-track conduct among top teams and drivers.

The details:

• Brown emphasized that he did not want to "disparage" Verstappen, acknowledging that "some of the greatest champions" in Formula 1 have also exhibited similar "arrogance."
• However, he specifically stated that Verstappen has "crossed the line on track at times."
• When pressed for examples, Brown pointed to Verstappen's interactions with Lewis Hamilton, particularly highlighting their clashes in Brazil.
• 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix: One notable incident involved both drivers going off-track during Hamilton's overtake attempt at Turn 4. They also collided at the same venue the following year.
• Adrian Newey, then with Red Bull, previously commented on Verstappen's aggressive driving in 2021, suggesting that the intense championship battle with Hamilton after Silverstone put pressure on Verstappen, making him "probably lucky not to get a penalty for his driving in Brazil."
• Newey admitted that Verstappen was "probably a bit out of order in Brazil in truth," indicating that the pressure of being the "hunted" rather than the "hunter" might have contributed to his aggressive tactics.

The big picture:

Max Verstappen's uncompromising style is a defining characteristic of his success, contributing to his reputation for insane speed and ruthless wheel-to-wheel combat. While some view this aggression as the hallmark of a true champion, others, like Brown, believe it occasionally oversteps acceptable boundaries. This debate reflects broader discussions within F1 regarding racing ethics and the balance between hard racing and fair play, especially as a new generation of drivers intensifies competition at the front of the grid.

What's next:

With McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri emerging as strong contenders, future on-track battles with Verstappen will undoubtedly be scrutinized. Brown's comments suggest that McLaren will be closely watching Verstappen's conduct, potentially setting the stage for more intense rivalries and debates over racing standards as the 2025 season approaches.