Formula 1 teams always employ two drivers. But there can always only be one team leader. For McLaren, the deal is apparently simple. After making his debut in 2019 for the Woking-based team, Lando Norris quickly blossomed into a championship contender of the future. The caveat was that McLaren could eventually provide him with a capable car. During these five years with the team, Norris has seen three teammates. And the popular consensus still remains that the 23-year-old is the man around whom the team should build its championship ambitions.

While McLaren was on a steady trajectory towards the sharp-end of the field, in 2023 they’ve fallen back considerably. Naturally, the logical plan of action would be to push once again towards the front with Lando Norris being the focal point of the entire operation. However, to the dismay of fans, CEO Zak Brown has taken a contradictory stance, as reflected by his latest comments.

Brown was recently quoted as saying, “Early indications are we’ve got a future world champion on our hands. We just have to work to give him a faster car now,” while referring to their latest acquisition, rookie Oscar Piastri. But this hasn’t gone down too well with the fans.

Fans react as Zak Brown seemingly sidelines Lando Norris and his F1 interests

A driver of Norris’ caliber put all of his trust into the team when he signed a long-term contract with them. Naturally, him and his fans expect a certain degree of urgency and focus on his championship bid. But Brown’s comments about Piastri seem to have rubbed Norris’ fanbase the wrong way.

One fan was even quoted as commenting, “I thought Lando was the future champion,” while referring to the many times Brown has reflected this sentiment in the past.

Let’s take a look at just a few of the fan reactions from this disastrous switching of stance from Zak Brown.

Read More: “I Apologize, I Told You a Lie”: Ayrton Senna’s Ugly Secrets Exposed as Evil Intentions Against Arch Rival Unmasked by F1 Legend

Lando Norris fans clearly see this as a violation of his trust. The Brit has committed himself to the team on the natural pretext of being the man they promote towards glory. However, Brown’s comments denote a different line of thinking. What really caught the wrath of the fans was the apparent lack of loyalty to Norris.

Fans were quick to remind Brown about where his duties and loyalties lie.

Watch this Story | Fernando Alonso Appreciating Teammate Lance Stroll’s Overtaking Move at Miami GP

Once a fan-favorite for bring McLaren out of F1’s abyss, Brown has recently been catching a lot of flak from the fans. Are his days at the helm of McLaren numbered?