BREAKING:Zak Brown Accuses Rival F1 Team of ‘Bullying…Read more
BREAKING:Zak Brown Accuses Rival F1 Team of ‘Bullying…Read more
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has reignited tensions in the Formula 1 paddock by accusing a rival team of attempting to “bully” Oscar Piastri during his controversial switch to McLaren. The comments came as Brown reflected on the young Australian’s first year with the team and the circumstances surrounding his high-profile entry into Formula 1.
Piastri’s move to McLaren in 2023 was one of the most talked-about contract sagas in recent F1 history. Initially announced by Alpine as their race driver for the season, Piastri publicly rejected the seat, stating he had not signed a contract. This triggered a legal battle that was eventually resolved in McLaren’s favor by the Contract Recognition Board.
Speaking in a recent interview, Brown revealed that behind the scenes, Piastri faced pressure and intimidation from the rival team—widely believed to be Alpine—during the dispute. “There was definitely some bullying going on,” Brown said. “Oscar handled it with maturity beyond his years. He never cracked under pressure and stayed professional through it all.”
Despite the rocky start, Piastri has quickly silenced doubters on the track. The 23-year-old has delivered solid performances, including multiple points finishes and an impressive podium in his debut season. Brown praised Piastri’s composure, crediting him as a key part of McLaren’s ongoing resurgence.
The accusation of bullying adds a new layer to the ongoing rivalry between McLaren and Alpine, whose relationship has been strained since the Piastri incident. While Alpine has not responded publicly to Brown’s latest remarks, the comment is likely to stir fresh debate ahead of upcoming races.
Piastri, for his part, has remained diplomatic, focusing instead on his performance and development within McLaren. “I’m grateful to be here,” he said recently. “The focus now is just on helping the team move forward.”
As Formula 1 continues its 2025 season, the drama off-track appears to be just as intense as the battles on it.
