McLaren CEO Zak Brown Defends Team Against Bias Allegations Amid Title Decider

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has pushed back against accusations of bias within the team, following comments made by Australian Senator Matt Canavan. The controversy arises as the season concludes with the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are both in contention for the championship, with Norris holding a slim 12-point lead over Max Verstappen and a 16-point advantage over his teammate Piastri. The drama intensified after a strategic misstep at the recent Qatar Grand Prix, which many believe cost Piastri a potential victory and fueled speculation of favoritism towards Norris.

Senator Canavan raised the issue during a Senate committee session, questioning whether McLaren was unfairly disadvantage Piastri. In response, Brown was unequivocal in his defense of the team's conduct. "We have done the best we can. Oscar himself has talked about how fair and equitable [we have been]," Brown told Sky Sports F1. "I saw what the senator said. Clearly, he's very uninformed and uneducated about our sport."

The controversy stems from McLaren's decision not to pit Piastri under the Safety Car during the Qatar GP, a move that left Piastri and Norris vulnerable. Team principal Andrea Stella admitted that the decision was influenced by concerns over potential traffic issues and the logistics of a double stack pit stop for Norris.

Brown acknowledged the intense scrutiny McLaren has faced throughout the season but insisted that the team's approach to racing would not change. "Even when you win, on Monday, you talk about what you could have done differently or better," he said. "So we're constantly evolving as a racing team. But the fundamentals of having two drivers that would give equal opportunity to win, that won't change."

As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix looms, McLaren remains focused on the race ahead. Brown emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and evolving as a team, but he made it clear that the fundamental principles of fair competition between Norris and Piastri would not be compromised.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix begins with qualifying at 2 PM on Saturday, followed by the race at 1 PM on Sunday, with extensive coverage available on Sky Sports F1.