Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, didn’t mince words as he assessed the 2024 F1 season, taking indirect shots at Lando Norris and Sergio Perez while singing the praises of Max Verstappen. Brown highlighted Verstappen’s ability to outperform in subpar machinery, implying Norris’s struggles to clinch the title in McLaren’s fastest car fell short of championship standards.
Brown Acknowledges Verstappen’s Prowess
Brown lauded Verstappen for his ability to extract maximum performance from any car. The Dutchman clinched his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship in a Red Bull that struggled against McLaren and Ferrari’s improved challengers this season.
Zak Brown:
“If Max was in a car that’s not capable of winning, he’d still get a little bit more out of it because of how awesome he is. But he’s not going to take a car that’s 15th and win in it. He might be able to take a car that’s third quickest and win the title.”
Brown’s remarks seemed to reference Verstappen’s remarkable win from P17 at the Brazilian Grand Prix, a feat that epitomized his mastery over challenging conditions.
Indirect Critique of Lando Norris
While celebrating Verstappen, Brown subtly questioned Norris’s inability to convert McLaren’s competitive car into a drivers’ championship victory. Norris has three wins and 12 podiums this season, leading McLaren’s charge in the constructors’ battle. Yet, his failure to capitalize fully has left some wondering if more was possible.
Brown:
“Max has shown us what a great driver in a great car can do. But when you’ve got the car, you also need to have the driver.”
This remark underscores Brown’s belief that Norris, despite his talent, hasn’t yet reached the exceptional level Verstappen consistently delivers.
Sergio Perez Comes Under Fire
Brown also turned his attention to Sergio Perez, whose lackluster performances have significantly hurt Red Bull this season. Despite Verstappen’s heroics, Perez’s inability to keep pace saw Red Bull drop to third in the constructors’ standings behind McLaren and Ferrari.
Brown:
“When you see a great car but not a great driver—like Sergio, who’s a good racing driver but clearly not at Max’s level—you can see the difference. That’s what separates the best from the rest.”
Perez’s inconsistent results, highlighted by repeated qualifying exits and meager race-day points hauls, have amplified Red Bull’s woes.
Norris and McLaren’s Constructors’ Mission
With two races left, McLaren holds a 24-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ standings, while Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri have shown consistency in scoring crucial points. Norris remains defiant in his quest to secure McLaren’s first constructors’ championship since 1998.
Lando Norris:
“We want to win every session. The goal is a one-two finish in every race from here on.”
Pressure Mounts on Perez
As the season nears its end, Perez finds himself under immense pressure to salvage his Red Bull career. Helmut Marko recently confirmed that Perez’s future with the team will be evaluated after the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Perez needs a standout performance to convince Red Bull he still belongs alongside Verstappen.
The Verdict
Zak Brown’s comments underscore the growing tension and stakes in the 2024 season’s final stretch. While Norris and McLaren fight to secure the constructors’ title, the spotlight remains on Perez, who must prove he can complement Verstappen to keep his Red Bull seat. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s dominance serves as a stark reminder of what sets great drivers apart in the crucible of Formula 1 competition.
