Zak Brown Clarifies 'Bruiser' Comment on Max Verstappen, Calls it a Compliment

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has clarified his recent remarks about Max Verstappen, stating that his description of the Red Bull driver as a “bruiser” was intended as a compliment and was taken out of context. Brown emphasized he holds Verstappen in high regard, comparing him to F1 legend Ayrton Senna, his "favorite driver of all time."

Why it matters:

Zak Brown's initial comments, made ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, sparked debate and spread quickly on social media, potentially creating friction between McLaren and Red Bull, and specifically between Brown and Verstappen. His subsequent clarification is an attempt to mend any perceived animosity and maintain professional relationships within the highly competitive F1 paddock, especially given McLaren's rising performance.

The details:

• Initial Comments: In an interview with The Telegraph, Brown described Verstappen as a "bruiser" and "too aggressive on track," attributing it to a certain "arrogance" also seen in other great champions like Ayrton Senna.
• Clarification: Speaking to De Telegraaf in Las Vegas, Brown stated, "I called him a bruiser, a fighter, but that's a compliment. That's what I call Ayrton Senna, too, and he's my favorite driver of all time."
• Private Outreach: The Dutch publication also reported that Brown personally contacted Verstappen to clarify his remarks, aiming to dispel any misunderstandings or animosity.
• Past Praise: Brown has previously expressed admiration for Verstappen, even suggesting a desire to collaborate with him in the future, particularly in GT racing, an area where both share a passion and McLaren has a presence.

Between the lines:

Brown's swift backtrack highlights the delicate nature of public comments in Formula 1. Even seemingly offhand remarks can quickly gain traction and be misinterpreted, especially when concerning high-profile figures like Max Verstappen. His effort to directly address Verstappen underscores the importance of maintaining a positive rapport between team principals and drivers, even across rival teams. This also subtly reflects McLaren's improving competitive standing, making any potential friction with a dominant figure like Verstappen more significant.

What's next:

With the clarification made and direct communication reportedly established, the issue is likely to be put to rest. This incident serves as a reminder of the constant media scrutiny in F1 and the need for precision in public statements, even when intended as praise. Both McLaren and Red Bull will now focus on the closing stages of the current season and preparations for the next, with any personal tensions likely diffused.