Zak Brown Responds to ‘Dispute’ With Piastri: “Nothing Happened”

Zak Brown has dismissed rumours of tension between McLaren and Oscar Piastri after the so-called “Singapore podium incident”. Social media speculation claimed Brown walked away from Piastri during celebrations, leading to suggestions of internal conflict. Brown now clarifies that nothing of the sort happened and calls the story “completely overblown”. 

The debate started after cameras showed Brown briefly stepping aside while Piastri approached the podium. Online clips spread quickly, with some fans suggesting the McLaren CEO was unhappy with the Australian. As McLaren fights for both championships, speculation about the atmosphere inside the team has become a regular topic. 

Brown says the interpretation is wrong and insists the relationship with Piastri is as strong as ever.

“People Love a Drama That Isn’t There” 

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Brown was direct in his response. “There is nothing going on. People love to create a drama when there is none. Oscar and I have a great relationship.” 

He explained that he simply moved aside to give Piastri space. “I stepped away so he could have his moment. That is all. There was no disagreement, no frustration, nothing. Sometimes a camera angle tells a different story from reality.” 

McLaren United in the Title Fight 

Inside the team, the rumours caused more amusement than concern. Piastri also laughed off the suggestion and said he felt fully supported by everyone at McLaren. Team boss Andrea Stella added that both sides of the garage are working closer than ever. 

McLaren is in a fierce battle with Red Bull and Ferrari, and Brown believes unity is one of the team’s biggest strengths right now. “Oscar and Lando are pushing each other in a very healthy way. The team is in great shape. We are focused on performance, nothing else.” 

Lessons From the Social Media Storm 

Brown acknowledged that modern Formula 1 is vulnerable to misinterpretations. “Every small gesture is immediately analysed and blown up online. That is the world we live in, but inside the team we know the truth.” 

With the title fight entering its final phase, Brown says McLaren cannot afford distractions. “We know what we are here to do. Our focus is on winning races and fighting for the championship. That is all that matters.”

 

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
Japan
11 - Apr 13 2025
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America
16 - May 18 2025
Italy
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco
30 - Jun 1 2025
Spain
13 - Jun 15 2025
Canada
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27 2025
Belgium
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5 2025
Singapore
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America
24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18 2025
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1 2025
13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27 2025
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5 2025
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26 2025
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30 2025
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country US
  • Date of b. Nov 7 1971 (54)
  • Place of b. Los Angeles, California U.S., US
  • Weight 0 kg
  • Length 0 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar