Zak Brown let loose during a gathering at the McLaren headquarters in Woking. Alongside staff and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the American CEO reflected on an extremely successful year for the papayas. Amid the celebrations, Brown delivered a notable speech. Footage shows him teasing his drivers – albeit with a wink.
Zak Brown is known for his outspokenness, but he went quite far in this speech. The McLaren CEO did not hesitate to bring up some uncomfortable moments from the past, such as the infamous battle between Alpine and McLaren for Oscar Piastri’s signature in 2022. Norris – with his newly won World Cup in hand – and Piastri joined Brown on stage at the McLaren Technology Centre, where he immediately launched into his speech.
‘You had f*cking Alpine’
“We took big risks with both of you,” said the American. “And don’t pretend you had better options.” He then turned to Oscar Piastri: “You had f*cking Alpine,” Brown joked. This led to loud laughter in the room and a telling grin from the Australian. Then it was Lando Norris’s turn. “You had to be faster than Stoffel Vandoorne,” he quipped. It was a subtle dig at the Belgian Formula 1 driver.
‘I couldn’t have asked for a better driver lineup, both on and off the track,’ Zak Brown continued proudly. ‘Two of the fastest drivers in the world and the nicest. That’s the McLaren way.’ Yet, another roast followed: ‘Maybe you’ll be standing here again next year and you’ll say: ‘That guy can go jump in a lake.’ Brown was quick to downplay: ‘Hopefully it won’t come to that. Both drivers are crazy about me. They’re infatuated with me. They call me ‘Big Daddy’ behind my back.’ Laughter echoed in the room again, although Lewis Hamilton and George Russell also showed visible discomfort. ‘In reality, they can often outsmart me,’ Zak Brown admitted. ‘But they won’t try that with Andrea Stella (team boss). Deep down, they’re terrified of him,’ he joked in conclusion.
