Zak Brown, the McLaren team principal, asserts that the team’s portrayal as frequently caught up in driver conflicts and contract disputes is “unfair,” attributing recent events to Alex Palou’s surprising change of heart in 2023.
In August of the previous year, Palou opted to disregard the contract he had with Arrow McLaren for the 2024 season, choosing instead to stay with Chip Ganassi Racing.
This situation was somewhat ironic, as his departure from Ganassi to join McLaren had previously incited a legal dispute from his former team boss during 2022, culminating in a mediation settlement. Consequently, Palou was permitted to test McLaren’s F1 cars and participate in free practice at COTA’s United States Grand Prix.
However, his second reversal—deciding to remain at CGR—triggered events that Brown believes have contributed to a reputation for contractual disputes. This has resulted in the recruitment or departure (and in certain instances, both) of drivers like Felix Rosenqvist, David Malukas, Nolan Siegel, Callum Ilott, Theo Pourchaire, and Alexander Rossi.
“It’s been disappointing, and I understand it; it’s part of being a high-profile team,” Brown explained to Motorsport.com. “I think we’ve received an unfair reputation regarding this driver situation, especially with some of the drivers commentating on it.
“I recognize that it’s easy to take jabs; I certainly enjoy doing that myself. But if you’re going to poke fun, you need to be able to handle it as well.”
“We brought Pato (O’Ward) into this sport, and I’ve supported him. With Alex Palou, we had a contract and fulfilled our obligations, which set off a domino effect.”
“Alex (Rossi) completed his contract. We’re giving Nolan an opportunity; he’s a promising young American. We also reintroduced Theo for (Toronto, replacing the injured Rossi).
“Regrettably, this Palou situation has unjustly categorized us as difficult and ‘hard on drivers,’ when in fact, I believe our relationships with our drivers are one of our greatest assets.”
Alex Palou, Reserve Driver, McLaren
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
When Motorsport.com inquired about the UK High Court proceedings related to their damages claim against Palou, Brown stated: “It’s in the legal process, and it will undoubtedly continue for quite some time. I expect it will likely be resolved by late next year.”
Brown further emphasized McLaren’s contractual agreements in Formula 1, noting that he maintains positive relationships with all recent drivers who have left the team, paving the way for the current successful duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
“Even with Carlos Sainz, we had an incredible rapport,” Brown remarked. “Fernando Alonso was great to work with, as was Daniel Ricciardo.
“Our relationship with Lando has spanned six years. So, I take great pride in the relationships we have at McLaren with our current drivers and those who have been part of our team in the past.”
