Zak Brown Criticizes Verstappen's Red Bull Advantage

Zak Brown, McLaren’s team principal, thinks that the superior performance of the Red Bull car has greatly contributed to Max Verstappen‘s world championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Brown suggests that many drivers could achieve the same success with such a car.

He stated, “As amazing as Max is, and he is one of the best ever, I don’t believe he would win the world championship in any car other than the Red Bull.” Brown shared these thoughts on Verstappen’s dominance during the official Formula 1 podcast, Beyond the Grid.

Overwhelming domination
“I think six or seven drivers on the grid could become world champions with the Red Bull,” said the American, underlining the supremacy of the Red Bull single-seater in motorsport for several years. However, Zak Brown praised the Dutchman’s talent: “I don’t think you can win without a star driver, so you need both (the car and the driver),”he said.

Last year, Verstappen dominated his rivals, winning 19 of the season’s 22 races, while his team-mate Sergio Pérez won two more Grands Prix. The only race to escape Red Bull’s domination was Singapore, won by Carlos Sainz with Ferrari.

This season, Verstappen is once again on top with five wins and 161 points from seven races. He is ahead of Charles Leclerc (113 points) and Sergio Pérez (107 points). Consequently, a fourth title is well within reach for the 26-year-old.

Zak Brown’s remarks highlight the significant impact of Red Bull’s superior car on Max Verstappen’s recent successes. While acknowledging Verstappen’s talent and skill, Brown suggests that many drivers could achieve similar results with such a dominant vehicle.

This perspective underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between driver skill and car performance in Formula 1, emphasizing the importance of both elements in securing championships. As Verstappen continues to dominate, it remains clear that the interplay between a top-tier driver and a leading-edge car is crucial in the quest for victory.