McLaren Boss Zack Brown Takes a Massive Dig at Racing Point and Otmar Szafnauer

Racing Point F1 are at odds with other F1 teams who are not satisfied with the FIA verdict. Last week, McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown had directed a barb at Racing Point’s designs which were met with a strong response by the Silverstone-based outfit’s boss Otmar Szafnauer. Szafnauer labeled Brown as a person who has no knowledge about F1. This has prompted the McLaren CEO to hit back with a sarcastic, stinging response of his own.

Szafnauer’s precise words last week were, “(I’m) surprised at how little he knows about the F1 rules. It seems to me he knows more about historic racing than he does about F1.” This jibe was in reference to Brown’s interest in collecting historic cars.

However, ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Brown hit back saying, “As far as historic racing (is concerned), I think people that know me know that I enjoy historic racing. I’d invite Otmar to come join me because he’s got a historic car that he’s currently racing.” That’s quite a solid burn, liable to leave a mark you’d say, eh?

Brown’s “Historic car” statement is made in reference to Racing Point having “copied” last year’s championship-winning Mercedes car. However, in a weird(ish) twist of events, McLaren have suddenly decided against appealing the penalty dished out to Racing Point.

McLaren satisfied with FIA verdict and penalty handed to Racing Point

McLaren F1’s official statement said, “The team welcomes the Stewards’ decisions and findings in this case. And importantly that the FIA has demonstrated that transgressions of the rules will be investigated and punished.”

“Moreover, McLaren racing is pleased that the FIA will further clarify the sporting and technical regulations to protect Formula 1 as a sport where teams are clearly defined as Constructors. And removes the potential that the Formula 1 World Championship includes cars that are, in effect, copies of other competitors’.”

As the off-track rivalry heats up between the two teams, so will the on-track battle. Despite having what one could describe as the second-best car on the grid, Racing Point haven’t managed a podium this season. Conversely, McLaren, who aren’t considered to be the front runners, have already bagged a podium.

With a car as good as the RP20, the onus is on them to deliver the results. McLaren, for their part, will continue to mix it up with the bigger boys. Who will come out on top this Sunday? We’ll soon find out.