Brown justifies McLaren's position as Verstappen approaches.

      30 September 2025 - 11:00 Zak Brown maintains that McLaren will continue to support both drivers equally, despite concerns that not prioritizing Oscar Piastri might allow Max Verstappen to seize the 2025 championship. With the Singapore Grand Prix approaching this weekend, analysts are questioning whether McLaren's commitment to driver equality could jeopardize their title chances. Former F1 engineer Kees van de Grint expressed to Viaplay that Piastri’s crash in Baku was "not indicative of a championship contender." He also cautioned, "They can’t be as laid-back on the pitwall as they were in Monza. Verstappen is a serious threat. It becomes complicated if (Lando) Norris wins and Piastri comes in third; they now really need to decide on a leader. It could still be quite thrilling." Van de Grint remarked regarding Verstappen, "As long as it's mathematically possible, there's always a chance with Max. This upcoming race is pivotal. If Verstappen wins, McLaren might need some sleeping pills for the night." However, McLaren Racing CEO Brown indicated to Bloomberg that he sees no need to change strategy. "I think it’s essential to pay attention to Max," he acknowledged. "We must continue what we’re doing. The constructors' standings look very promising, and we want our two drivers to compete for the championship - just provide them equal opportunity and equipment. May the best man win." Brown further stated that while issues like Norris’ recent mechanical failures and unpredictable safety cars can upset the balance, his objective remains "to ensure Lando and Oscar are positioned to compete for the championship all the way to Abu Dhabi." For his part, Piastri expressed that he is prepared to manage the increasing pressure following a challenging weekend in Baku. "The intensity will certainly rise as we approach the year's end, and I’m ready for that," he mentioned. "I’ve faced similar situations in other championships. Ultimately, it’s about how I respond to what happens next," the Australian added. "Having a strong team and good people around you is crucial, and Mark (Webber) is definitely one of those individuals." Meanwhile, following the sale of an additional 30 percent of McLaren Racing, the Bahraini sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat and CYVN Holdings now collectively own 100 percent of the F1 team. Brown stated that the deal values McLaren Racing at slightly over $4 billion. "We’re completely finished," he told Bloomberg. "The sport is incredibly dynamic right now - every key figure, every demand for teams reflects that."