In a bold and provocative move, McLaren boss Zak Brown has ignited a fiery debate in the world of Formula 1, claiming that Red Bull Racing is ‘walking on eggshells’ around their star driver, Max Verstappen. But here’s where it gets controversial: Brown suggests this dynamic has transformed Red Bull into a ‘one-man show’, prioritizing Verstappen’s happiness above all else. Is this a recipe for success, or a risky strategy that stifles competition?
In his new book, Seven Tenths of a Second, Brown doesn’t hold back. He argues that Red Bull’s decision-making revolves entirely around Verstappen, even going so far as to say the team is ‘afraid’ of him. To illustrate his point, Brown highlights Red Bull’s choice to overlook Carlos Sainz as a potential teammate last year. According to Brown, Sainz would have been an obvious choice if Red Bull weren’t so focused on avoiding any threat to Verstappen’s dominance. But is this a fair assessment, or is Brown simply stirring the pot?
And this is the part most people miss: Brown claims the car itself is ‘tailored to Max’, making it nearly impossible for anyone else to drive it effectively. He even goes as far as to suggest that Verstappen, not team principal Christian Horner, is the one truly running the show. Could this be the reason Verstappen remains in title contention ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite being 49 points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris?
With just three races left in the season, Verstappen needs a hat-trick of wins to stand a realistic chance at the championship. Meanwhile, Norris can secure the title by finishing second to teammate Oscar Piastri in the remaining rounds. But is Verstappen’s reliance on Red Bull’s strategy a sign of weakness, or a testament to his unparalleled skill?
Brown’s comments come amid rumors of Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes for 2026, fueled by Red Bull’s recent struggles. However, Verstappen has publicly committed to Red Bull for next year, following Christian Horner’s exit. Is this loyalty genuine, or a calculated move to maintain his ’empire’ within the team?
Brown believes Red Bull’s favoritism toward Verstappen stems from their ‘terrifying fear’ of losing him. He argues that this approach has turned Red Bull into a ‘driver’s own little empire’, a strategy he vehemently disagrees with. ‘That’s not how I want to lead at McLaren,’ Brown writes, emphasizing the importance of fair competition and team ethos. But is McLaren’s approach truly superior, or just a different flavor of the same strategy?
As the F1 world buzzes with speculation, one thing is clear: Brown’s comments have struck a nerve. Is Red Bull’s focus on Verstappen a brilliant strategy or a dangerous gamble? And what does this mean for the future of F1? Weigh in below—let’s spark a debate!