Zak Brown roasts Norris and Piastri with savage Alpine joke at McLaren celebration

McLaren CEO Zak Brown humorously reminded his championship-winning drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, of their limited options before joining the team during a celebratory roast at the Woking factory. The event followed the FIA Prize-Giving Gala, where McLaren collected its 2025 Constructors' and Drivers' World Championship trophies.

Why it matters:

Brown's jokes, while lighthearted, underscore the high-stakes decisions and calculated risks involved in Formula 1 driver contracts. His remarks highlight how driver-market moves, like Piastri's controversial exit from Alpine, can define a team's competitive future for years. The playful dynamic also reveals the strong, confident culture within McLaren following its return to the top.

The details:

• During the team's homecoming event, Brown directly teased his drivers about their career paths before McLaren.
• To Piastri, he joked, "You had f**king Alpine," referencing the Australian's 2022 contract dispute where the Contract Recognition Board ruled in his favor, allowing him to join McLaren instead.
• To Norris, he quipped, "you had to go faster than Stoffel Vandoorne," recalling the 2019 decision to promote Norris over the Belgian driver after a difficult 2018 season.
• The jokes were met with laughter from the team and drivers, showcasing a relaxed atmosphere.
• Brown also dared Piastri to ruffle Norris's hair, mimicking FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's recent antics, which Piastri tentatively did.

The big picture:

The celebratory roast marks a pinnacle moment for McLaren, a team that has successfully rebuilt its roster and operations to become a title contender. Brown's confidence in joking about past alternatives signals a team at the peak of its powers, secure in its driver lineup and technical direction. This internal culture of success and camaraderie is often a key ingredient in sustaining a championship-winning formula.

What's next:

The challenge for McLaren will be maintaining this momentum into the 2026 season and beyond. With stable, top-tier drivers and leadership, the focus shifts to continuing development against rivals like Ferrari and Red Bull. Moments like these factory celebrations are crucial for team morale as they prepare to defend their hard-won titles.