McLaren CEO Zak Brown has clarified his earlier comments about Max Verstappen. Earlier this week, the American referred to the Dutch world champion as sometimes being ‘a brawler’ who is occasionally ‘too aggressive on the track’. However, according to Brown, these were merely compliments towards Verstappen, to whom he has already sent a message to explain his statements: ‘That’s how I also describe Ayrton Senna, and he’s my all-time favourite driver.’
Max Verstappen is keeping his title hopes alive with his second starting position for the GP Las Vegas. Although Lando Norris – who gets to start from pole on the street circuit of the desert city – has been gradually pulling away from the reigning world champion in recent weeks, Verstappen still theoretically has a chance at his fifth world title. Only if Norris leaves the Grand Prix on Saturday evening in Vegas with nine more points than Verstappen, will the title fight be over for the Dutchman.
Zak Brown Criticizes ‘Arrogant’ Verstappen: ‘Sometimes Too Aggressive’
Verstappen’s performance this season, often without the best car, is impressive. However, McLaren CEO Zak Brown seemed to have some criticism for the Dutch world champion. “I don’t want to belittle Max,” the American told The Telegraph. “After all, he is a four-time world champion. But he can be a brawler. Then his arrogance comes out and he is too aggressive on the track.”
Compliment
In Las Vegas, Brown clarified to De Telegraaf that he actually meant his comments about Verstappen as a compliment. “I called him a bruiser, a fighter, but that’s actually a compliment. That’s what I call Ayrton Senna too, and he’s my all-time favorite driver,” said the American CEO. According to Brown, his earlier statements were ‘taken out of context’. Therefore, the McLaren CEO also sent a message to Verstappen himself to explain his comments.
