McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed frustration with Max Verstappen’s driving style following the recent Mexican Grand Prix. Brown called Verstappen’s actions on the track “outrageous,” particularly after Verstappen received two separate 10-second penalties for pushing McLaren’s Lando Norris off the circuit. These penalties highlighted concerns over safety and sportsmanship, prompting Brown to urge Verstappen to race with the restraint expected of a world champion.
According to Brown, Verstappen’s actions created unnecessary risk and detracted from clean, competitive racing. Speaking to Viaplay, Brown commented, “Max is an incredible talent, so there’s no need for such aggressive moves. I’d like to see him drive like the champion he is.” Brown believes that Verstappen’s behavior not only endangered other drivers but also unfairly impacted the race’s outcome. He noted that these incidents potentially cost McLaren a chance at victory, expressing disappointment that Verstappen’s tactics may have robbed Norris of a win.
Verstappen’s assertive approach, often described as “divebombing,” has sparked debate within the racing community, as such moves can be effective but also risk penalties and backlash. Despite the penalties enforced, the strategic intent behind Verstappen’s bold moves still had some impact. While these driving choices didn’t work out perfectly for Verstappen, they’ve certainly added a layer of drama and controversy to the current season.
Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is using the final races of the season to test experimental adjustments, as the team has essentially secured fourth place in the constructors’ standings. Wolff acknowledged that recent races in the U.S. and Mexico were challenging but emphasized the importance of learning from these experiences to prepare a stronger strategy for 2025. With their focus shifting to future success, Mercedes is willing to take calculated risks to gather insights from the W15 model for the upcoming season.
In other racing news, Alpine junior driver Nicola Lacorte is set to make his Formula 3 debut with DAMS next year. After a promising season in the Formula Regional European Championship and Oceania series, Lacorte is looking to build on his success and continue his development within the sport. Additionally, fans attending the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours will enjoy upgraded viewing facilities, including new grass banks near the Porsche Curves and additional grandstands at Maison Blanche, enhancing the spectator experience at this iconic racing event.
These updates showcase the evolving landscape of motorsport, where both technical innovation and driver conduct remain under the spotlight.