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Brown on Horner and Verstappen's driving record

Brown denounces Horner's action in Austria: 'That was just inappropriate'

6 July at 11:28
6
  • Estéban den Toom

McLaren CEO Zak Brown was in the spotlight in Britain on Friday for his statements about Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. The American lashed out at the Austrian constructor by saying that Verstappen's aggressive driving was encouraged by the team. In a press event where GPblog was also in attendance, Brown continued to express his views on Saturday.

Why Brown did not feel the need to speak to Horner

Brown explains why he had no need to speak to Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. "At the end of the race, and I don't know who it was on the radio, whether it was Christian, but I don't know, I'd have to listen to it again. But they had told Max he had done nothing wrong and that Lando was way out of order. I didn't think Lando did anything wrong. I don't think anybody thought Lando did anything wrong"

"I think things are going to happen on the track, but I think we need to all be honest with each other and our drivers. But to kind of lay the blame in front of everyone at Lando when I think it was clear it wasn't Lando's fault was just inappropriate. I think it's okay. We all make mistakes in life. Own your mistakes. I just didn't think that was appropriate," Brown continued.

Brown on the FIA and Verstappen's driving behaviour

Asked whether the FIA might have to take Red Bull to task over Verstappen's driving, the McLaren CEO replied, " I don't know how they run their team, so I wouldn't want to speculate on what I think they may or may not do. The FIA have private conversations with each team. We have a very healthy relationship with them. They're not Nicholas and Bozzy, but a great relationship. So I don't know how they'll handle it, what they thought was appropriate and not appropriate."

This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy