McLaren CEO Zak Brown has laughed off suggestions that he was not involved in recruiting Oscar Piastri to its Formula 1 team amid a legal battle with Alex Palou.
The Woking-based squad has been embroiled in a $20 million breach of contract lawsuit with the four-time IndyCar champion, which triggered intriguing allegations.
Palou, who was contracted to race for the British marque’s IndyCar team in 2023, seemingly backed out of his commitment to stick with Chip Ganassi instead.
The Spaniard alleged that Brown had given him hopes of a stint in F1, going as far as saying that Piastri’s tenure in the paddock was contingent on how Palou fared across the pond.
During the proceedings, Palou led evidence stating that Brown had informed him that signing the Australian was “not his decision” and a call taken by erstwhile team boss Andreas Seidl.
On paper, at least, this seems to have come good for McLaren with the team winning back-to-back Constructors’ titles with Lando Norris and Piastri leading the charge.
The 24-year-old has also gathered nine Grand Prix wins so far in his career, currently leading the title fight against his team-mate by 22 points.
Brown came back fighting in the courtroom, rubbishing the Spaniard’s claims.
He contested Palou’s testimony, suggesting that a potential seat in F1 was nothing more than an “optionality” that was discussed with the 28-year-old.
Brown was quick to dispel Palou’s assertions about Piastri, too. The American was bullish about his stance, citing both his role within the team and Piastri’s apparent talent to tag Palou’s comments as “ludicrous”.
“I’m not sure which allegation amused me more – the notion that I would not be the one making a key decision about our driver lineup, or the suggestion that I wasn’t on board with signing the hugely talented Oscar Piastri,” he said via Reuters.
“Both allegations are clearly ludicrous – and anyone who follows our sport will see straight through them.”
READ MORE – Why McLaren is suing reigning IndyCar champion for $20 million
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