Brown: Verstappen ‘a bruiser’ who has crossed the line at times

McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown has fired a sharp shot across Max Verstappen’s bow, describing the four-time world champion as “a bruiser” and insisting the Dutchman has “crossed the line” more than once in wheel-to-wheel combat with his rivals.

Ahead of a pressure-soaked Las Vegas Grand Prix, Brown’s remarks land with extra sting: Verstappen is 49 points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris, and another double-digit swing this weekend could end his bid for a fifth straight world title.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Brown didn’t bother massaging the message when asked if Red Bull play dirty, directing a pointed remark straight at Verstappen.

“I don’t want to disparage Max…. He’s a four-time world champion. He can be a bruiser, too aggressive on track. His arrogance comes out,” the McLaren chief said.

Brown argued that even F1 legends weren’t immune to a bit of swagger, adding: “If you look at some of the greatest champions in Formula 1, they’ve had some arrogance about them. They get their elbows out.”

But in his view, Verstappen’s elbows often extend just a bit too far. Pressed on whether the Dutchman has crossed the limit, Brown was unequivocal.

“Max has crossed the line on track at times.” And when challenged to point to a specific example, he didn’t hesitate, referring to Verstappen’s fierce battle against Lewis Hamilton at Interlagos in 2021.

“In Brazil against Lewis Hamilton over time. A handful of his passes on Lewis were overly aggressive,” he said.

A Reputation That Precedes Him

While most team principals prefer diplomatic soundbites, Brown’s assessment will quietly be nodded along to by a sizeable chunk of the grid.

Verstappen’s ruthless, borderline ferocious defending has on many occasions over the years left tyre marks, bruised egos, and more than a few radio rants in its wake.

• Read also: Brown says Drive to Survive fame ‘changed’ Horner

Drivers who have been on the receiving end of a late lunge or a squeeze to the pit wall know exactly what Brown is talking about. The phrase “that’s just Max being Max” is usually delivered through gritted teeth.

With the title slipping away and desperation creeping in, Las Vegas could serve up another chapter of the Verstappen rulebook: win at all costs, let the stewards sort out the wreckage.

Zak Brown just made sure everyone knows McLaren will be watching every move under the neon lights, ready to cry foul the second those elbows fly too wide once again.

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