Max Verstappen was intent on reminding Zak Brown of a comment he made earlier in the year, after McLaren's CEO came over to congratulate him for securing a fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship.
It has been a far-from-straightforward season for Verstappen, who suffered a 10-race drought between wins in Spain and Sao Paulo, but on Saturday night the Dutchman secured another world title in Las Vegas.
After finishing behind Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton and race winner George Russell, the 27-year-old secured an unassailable 63 point-lead over nearest rival Lando Norris.
Moments after crossing the line, an emotional Verstappen paid tribute to the Red Bull team.
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“Oh my god, man!" he said. "What a season. Four times. Thank you, guys. Thank you to everyone. It was a little bit more difficult than last year, but we pulled through, and we gave it our all."
Verstappen added: "I never thought this was possible, but thanks to you guys, it is, so thanks again.”
Shortly after the race in Las Vegas, Verstappen was being interviewed by Sky Sports when McLaren CEO Zak Brown congratulated the Dutchman on his latest world title win.
Brown has previously made some headline-grabbing comments about Verstappen. Earlier in the year, he claimed that “six or seven drivers” could have won the championship if they had Verstappen’s Red Bull.
Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Brown said: “I don't think without a star driver, you're gonna win, so you need both.
"First, it does start with the car - people ask me all the time: 'is it car or driver?' And it's like: 'well, it's both'. I think the way I characterise it is, I think there are six, seven drivers on the grid that will be world champions in the Red Bull."
He added: “As great as Max is, and he's one of the best ever. I don't think Max wins the world championship today in any other car, other than the Red Bull.”
As you can see in the footage below, Verstappen made sure to remind Brown of those comments on Saturday night.
Here's how the conversation played out:
Brown: “Congratulations”
Verstappen: “You pushed us all the way.”
Brown: “We did but you earned it. Four world championships. Now you beat my Senna guy.”
Verstappen: “Like you said, before I could only win it in the fastest car but this year is a little different.”
Brown: “Exactly (laughs). Well done.”
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the moment.
One said: "This is called keeping receipts. Love him for it," while another commented: "Max dropping truth bombs with a cheeky grin—proving it’s all about the skill."
A third wrote: "Standing on business on live TV is crazy. Verstappen goated."
A fourth said: "I just know that in that moment that Zak Brown regretted congratulating him," and a fifth added: "He has cooked him there tbf but let’s not forget you had a rocket ship for 7 out of 8 of your wins."
Thoughts on Verstappen's comments? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris
Jack Kenmare