Zak Brown’s comments are causing debate, as the Woking CEO said he would rather lose than favor one driver. Here you can find Zak Brown’s full statements
The traditional Thursday press conference ignites the paddock ahead of the Brazilian GP. In a weekend that could be decisive for the World Championship battle between Verstappen, Norris and Piastri, many factors can shift the balance, both on and off the track.
And so, with comments from Helmut Marko (here for his statements) and Zak Brown, the Interlagos weekend is heating up right from the start.
Zak Brown replies to Marko?
Helmut Marko’s words of encouragement for Max Verstappen, which also carried a hint of criticism towards McLaren’s driver management, were indirectly answered today by the Papaya CEO, Zak Brown.
The British executive took a strong stance on driver favoritism (also indirectly addressing Johnny Herbert’s rumors): “We are so focused on ourselves, on doing the right thing, on our commitment to the team and our fans, that no one can be informed like we are”.
“This is why there is a good relationship between Lando and Oscar. They know they both have the same opportunities to fight for the championship. We are transparent, fair, we communicate. We are racers “.
““If Max wins? If he wins at the end of this year, what matters for us is that we can say we did our best, following our philosophy. And if Max wins this year, then we will win next year, united as we are now “.
Remembering 2007: when Kimi Raikkonen beat the two favorites
The 2025 title fight strongly recalls that of 18 years ago. Even if distant in time, the 2007 World Championship battle (between rookie Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen) saw the two dominant McLarens lose the title in the final race (also in Brazil), with Raikkonen taking it by one point.
Provoked by a direct question, Zak recalled: “We are fully aware of 2007. Two drivers level on points, one ahead. But we have two drivers who want to win the championship. We are attacking, not defending. I’d rather say we did our best, our drivers were equal and someone else beat us “.
In the end the shocking statement: ““I prefer that scenario than telling one of our drivers, when they are close in the standings: I know you dream of a World Championship, but we drew lots and this year it’s not your turn. Forget it. That’s not how we race. If 2007 repeats itself, I prefer that outcome to any that would come from favoritism. We won’t do it “.
Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing, McLaren
