P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Zak Brown is adamant that when he called Max Verstappen a “bruiser”, it was not meant as a criticism of the Dutchman.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown clarified his earlier comment about Max Verstappen, stating it was meant as a compliment to the Red Bull driver, not criticism. Brown compared Verstappen to Ayrton Senna, his “favourite driver of all time,” emphasizing that both drivers have a fighting spirit on the track.
Brown acknowledged that while Verstappen can be aggressive and have moments of arrogance, those qualities are also present in some of the greatest Formula 1 champions, who are willing to push boundaries. After the comments stirred controversy on social media, Brown explained that they were taken out of context and reiterated that calling Verstappen a “bruiser” was meant as a term of admiration.
In an effort to clear the air, Brown reached out to Verstappen directly to explain his intentions and avoid any misunderstandings between them. Despite their differences, Brown has expressed his admiration for Verstappen and even hinted at a potential partnership in GT racing due to their shared passion for the sport and McLaren’s involvement in that arena.
