Peter Windsor tells Zak Brown what he should have said to Lando Norris after ‘lucky’ Max Verstappen comments……
In the aftermath of Lando Norris’s “lucky” comment about Max Verstappen’s win at the 2024 US Grand Prix, Peter Windsor, a former F1 team principal and commentator, shared his thoughts on how Zak Brown, the McLaren CEO, should have responded to Norris. Windsor’s suggestion was rooted in a combination of leadership, strategic thinking, and maintaining team morale, while also recognizing the broader implications of such comments in the media.
Windsor noted that Zak Brown, as McLaren’s team principal, should have taken a more composed and supportive approach to Norris’ comment. Instead of focusing on the controversy surrounding Norris’s remark, which could potentially damage McLaren’s relationship with Verstappen, Brown should have reassured Norris, providing guidance on how to handle such statements in the future. Windsor emphasized that while Norris’ remark may have been off-the-cuff or made in jest, it was important for McLaren to foster a culture of respect for all drivers, especially a dominant figure like Verstappen, whose performances had been near flawless in 2024.
Rather than letting the comment go unaddressed or reprimanding Norris too harshly, Windsor suggested that Brown could have used this moment as an opportunity to teach Norris the value of professionalism, especially in a sport where respect for competitors, regardless of personal rivalries, is crucial. This response would not only preserve the harmony within McLaren but also solidify Norris’s image as a mature, respectful driver capable of learning from such experiences.
