Oscar Piastri Dismisses McLaren Favouritism Claims as Relationship with Zak Brown ‘Only Stronger’

Oscar Piastri describes his relationship with Zak Brown as "stronger" following 2025's tough moments and his recent podium return at the Japanese Grand Prix.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 8:54 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

Resilience Following a Fragmented 2025 Title Charge

The internal dynamics at McLaren have been under intense scrutiny since the conclusion of the 2025 season, where Oscar Piastri saw a 34-point lead over teammate Lando Norris evaporate into a 12-point deficit. The shift in momentum led to widespread speculation regarding "sporting fairness" within the team, with some critics suggesting that the organization had pivoted its support toward Norris during the final rounds. This narrative gained such traction that it was even discussed within the Australian parliament, briefly casting Zak Brown as a "villain" in Piastri’s home country. However, Piastri has now dismissed these claims, insisting that the "tough moments" of last year served to solidify his relationship with the team's leadership.

Strategic Synergy Between Brown and Stella

Piastri highlighted the effective partnership between Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella as a cornerstone of McLaren's current stability. He described the duo as possessing "very different styles" that complement each other, providing a balanced environment for both drivers. According to Piastri, his rapport with Brown has only improved over the three years they have worked together, despite the high-pressure environment of a title fight. The Australian driver emphasized that the public perception of conflict does not reflect the reality of the garage, where he feels he is receiving a "fair shake" at competing for victories.

Addressing Political Commentary and Misinformation

Zak Brown has been vocal in his disappointment regarding the involvement of "uninformed" individuals in the team's internal affairs, specifically referencing the comments made by Australian politicians. Brown defended McLaren’s record of impartiality, noting that both drivers suffered from various reliability issues and tactical setbacks throughout 2025. He argued that the "ridiculous" statements made by those far removed from the complexities of Formula 1 do not affect the team’s focus. For Brown, the priority remains maintaining "total sporting fairness" for fans, sponsors, and the drivers themselves, regardless of outside noise.