McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Formula 1 fans and a former world champion for his choice of words to driver Oscar Piastri moments after the Australian's championship dream ended at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Backlash Over Radio Message
Brown, who has faced sustained accusations of favouring teammate Lando Norris throughout the season, congratulated Piastri over team radio as the driver returned to the pits. While praising Piastri's season, which included seven wins and 13 podiums, Brown's description of the 24-year-old as a 'team player' proved deeply contentious.
Fans quickly took to social media platform X to express their fury, with many interpreting the phrase as a tacit acknowledgement that Piastri had been forced to play a supporting role to Norris. 'Shafting Oscar all the way to the end,' one supporter wrote. Another commented: 'I do not understand how Zak Brown and Andrea Stella will be able to look Oscar in the eyes next season.'
Rosberg Accuses Brown of Lacking Empathy
The criticism was not confined to fan forums. 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, providing commentary, directly accused the American CEO of being callous during a profoundly disappointing moment for the driver.
'That's his most horrible moment in his racing career,' Rosberg stated. 'Maybe Zak could have had a little more empathy there, rather than celebrating. He could have said "next year will be your year" but it's difficult for Zak because he's so ecstatic at the same time.'
The controversy stems from a season where many observers believe McLaren broke their so-called 'papaya rules' – a pledge to allow Piastri and Norris to race freely without team orders.
Verstappen's Pointed Joke and Looking Ahead
Further salt was rubbed into the wound for Piastri in post-race interviews. When discussing the marathon 24-race season for 2025, Piastri noted his longest junior championship was ten rounds. Reigning champion Max Verstappen interjected, 'You'd be champion if it was 10 rounds,' referencing Piastri's lead in the standings earlier in the year.
Piastri must now regroup for the 2026 campaign, which begins on March 8 in his hometown of Melbourne. He and the entire grid will face a new challenge, competing in radically different cars as F1 moves on from the ground-effect era that started in 2022.
