McLaren CEO Zak Brown has confirmed that the team is prepared for any strategy Max Verstappen might use at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Verstappen shares pole position with McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the decisive race on Sunday.
Even if Verstappen wins, Norris can still claim the championship by finishing on the podium. Consequently, some anticipate Verstappen might intentionally slow down to disrupt the McLaren drivers’ chances of a podium. Speaking to F1 TV, Brown expressed confidence that McLaren is ready for all possible scenarios.
“We are ready to handle anything Max throws our way,” Brown said. “He’s not only fast but also a very smart racer.”
Brown also commented on Verstappen’s impressive qualifying performance and speculated that Red Bull might have improved their setup for single-lap speed. “Max delivered two excellent laps. I was worried about being held up by Tsunoda, but that wasn’t an issue on the second lap,” he said. “I hope their qualifying pace doesn’t come at a cost tomorrow, but it’s unclear.”
Regarding whether McLaren will support Norris, the team has kept opportunities fair for both drivers. For Piastri to win the championship, Norris would need to finish sixth or lower while Piastri wins the race.
Though Piastri’s chances are slim, Brown says it’s business as usual. “We’ll discuss plans tomorrow morning knowing the situation. Lando needs a top-three finish, Oscar needs to win, and both Max and Lando need some misfortune. Anything can happen,” he explained.
Brown noted the differing approaches within the team: “Oscar is focused on winning because it reduces points for Max and lessens the pressure on Lando. It’s a delicate balance between being cautious and pushing hard, as the field is very close and mistakes can be costly. So, we’re sticking to our usual strategy.”
Fan Take: This update is crucial for racing fans as it highlights the tense strategic battle shaping up at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, potentially deciding the title in dramatic fashion. The readiness and tactical approaches from McLaren and Verstappen could define how high-stakes racing unfolds, making the season finale a must-watch.
