McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, has called on Max Verstappen to race with the responsibility expected of a World Champion, following a controversial clash at the Mexican Grand Prix. Brown’s remarks come after Verstappen received two separate 10-second penalties for his on-track aggression toward McLaren’s Lando Norris.
The first penalty was given after Verstappen forced Norris off the track while defending his position at Turn 4. Later in the race, he was penalized again for an aggressive inside move on Norris at Turn 7, where both drivers ended up in the runoff area. These incidents, along with Verstappen’s sixth-place finish—the lowest in his season so far—have sparked widespread criticism, calling his driving style unnecessarily risky.
The Mexican GP penalties add to ongoing scrutiny of Verstappen’s racing style, which has become a subject of debate among F1 drivers and commentators. Brown voiced disappointment with Verstappen’s aggressive tactics, suggesting that the reigning World Champion should focus on clean racing rather than endangering other drivers.
He urged Verstappen to “drive like the World Champion you are,” emphasizing that such risky moves are not only unsafe but tarnish the reputation of F1’s top competitors. Brown praised the FIA stewards’ penalties and appealed for “clean and tough racing” in the remaining races of the season, especially as McLaren continues its intense Constructors’ Championship battle against Ferrari.
Former driver and Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle echoed Brown’s concerns, warning that Verstappen’s aggressive driving could damage his legacy. Brundle acknowledged Verstappen’s immense talent but lamented that his “unsportsmanlike attitude” might overshadow his achievements. Highlighting that Verstappen has often ignored criticism, Brundle argued that a more disciplined approach on the track would enhance his reputation and better reflect his standing as a multiple World Champion. Brundle’s remarks suggest that Verstappen’s driving style, if unchecked, could undermine the respect and sportsmanship integral to Formula 1.
Verstappen’s aggressive approach isn’t new; he has faced criticism for similar incidents earlier in the season, particularly a clash with Lewis Hamilton in Hungary. After that race, Hamilton commented that Verstappen’s behavior did not reflect that of a World Champion. Hamilton suggested that being a champion involves demonstrating leadership, respect, and teamwork, qualities that Verstappen’s actions in Hungary seemed to contradict. Although Verstappen dismissed his critics with a sharp rebuke in his post-race comments, his actions have continued to fuel debates around the sportsmanship expected of F1’s elite drivers.
Hamilton, who finished fourth in the recent Mexican GP, wasn’t surprised by the controversy involving Verstappen, acknowledging that he anticipated it when he saw a commotion on the track ahead of him. Their longstanding rivalry and previous clashes, including their intense battle in 2021, have made Hamilton a frequent critic of Verstappen’s driving.
Reflecting on that season, Hamilton described Verstappen as “over the limit” and argued that Verstappen often disregards the rules, forcing others to avoid collisions. This pattern, Hamilton noted, stands in contrast to the respectful competition that F1 seeks to uphold, highlighting a persistent tension between the two champions over racing ethics.
