In an unexpected turn of events, Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, has voiced his concerns about potential bias on the part of the FIA (the international motorsport governing body) in the upcoming Formula 1 season. Brown, known for his sharp remarks and outspoken style, announced that McLaren would launch a thorough investigation to ensure that Max Verstappen would not receive preferential treatment due to alleged irregularities. Brown’s statement came in response to Verstappen’s dominance in recent seasons, during which the Dutch driver has controlled Formula 1 with his performances at Red Bull Racing.
Zak Brown emphasized that McLaren, as one of the major teams in Formula 1, will do everything in its power to ensure a level playing field for all drivers—especially its own, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The CEO made it clear that he is concerned about the impact of Verstappen’s dominance on the sport and stressed that McLaren would not hesitate to put pressure on the FIA to ensure the championship remains fair. “We want the season to be fair for everyone.
If there is unequal treatment or if the rules are not applied consistently, we will not accept it,” Brown said during the press conference. Zak Brown’s comments come at a time when Max Verstappen is considered one of the most dominant drivers Formula 1 has ever seen. His undeniable talent, combined with the performance of Red Bull Racing, has allowed him to win the vast majority of races over the past two seasons. Verstappen has not only outperformed his rivals but has also proven to be nearly unbeatable in terms of speed and consistency.
This has raised questions among many other teams, including McLaren, about the fairness of the competition and the role the FIA plays in it.
McLaren, which has been fighting for years to return to the top of the Formula 1 grid, has noticed that the rules and technologies applied in the sport are evolving in a direction that may not favor teams without the same resources as Red Bull Racing. Brown’s concerns are not unfounded, as FIA regulations are often difficult to interpret and at times appear to be applied inconsistently, leading to questions about whether certain teams may be receiving excessive advantages.
However, it was the response from the FIA president that completely shifted the situation. Just five minutes after Brown voiced his concerns, an official statement was released by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who strongly defended the organization against the accusations. Ben Sulayem stated that the FIA has always acted fairly and impartially, and that Verstappen’s performances are entirely the result of his talent and strong teamwork.
He emphasized that the rules are the same for every team and that the FIA is fully committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all teams and drivers.
“The FIA has no influence on race outcomes or a team’s performance. We ensure that the rules are the same for everyone. Max Verstappen’s success is the result of his hard work and that of his team, and this must be respected,” Ben Sulayem said in his statement.
The FIA president’s response left Zak Brown literally speechless. As Brown was preparing for further discussions about the independence and fairness of the FIA, he was abruptly confronted with Ben Sulayem’s determination to close the matter. The incident set the tone for the coming weeks, during which McLaren will have to adapt to the changing dynamics of Formula 1 while continuing to fight for fair competition.
The FIA’s response, however, has not caused McLaren to back down from its position. Brown and his team continue to insist that the FIA must provide greater transparency and fairness, particularly regarding technical regulations and the enforcement of rules during races. McLaren has made it clear that the team is determined to investigate any indication of unequal treatment, regardless of the status of the drivers or teams involved.
The 2026 season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent Formula 1 history, with new technological developments, new regulations, and the ongoing battle for the world championship. Max Verstappen remains the man to beat, but with potential changes the FIA may introduce, a new dynamic could emerge. McLaren will undoubtedly continue to push for a level playing field, and with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the helm, the team is determined to return to the top of the standings.
Zak Brown has made it clear that McLaren will not simply accept what it perceives as unequal treatment or unfair advantages for other teams. This stance will not only affect their season but also shape how they envision the future of the sport. McLaren fans and the broader Formula 1 community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops and whether the FIA will actually implement changes that benefit the sport.
In conclusion, the recent exchange between Zak Brown and Mohammed Ben Sulayem has placed Formula 1 at the center of a debate about fairness and independent regulation. The 2026 season will not only be about driver performance, but also about whether the FIA will adjust its rules to ensure a truly equal and fair competition.
McLaren will undoubtedly continue fighting for fairness in Formula 1, while the rest of the sport watches to see whether the recent tensions between teams and the FIA will lead to real changes in the future of the championship.
