Photo: RacePictures

Zak Brown voices massive frustration after 'huge mistake' in Qatar GP

10:46, 01 Dec

byTobia Elia

McLaren CEO Zak Brown acknowledged the costly strategic error that handed Max Verstappen the victory at the Qatar Grand Prix.

“We clearly made a huge mistake. We clearly made the wrong call. Nothing we can do about it now other than learn from it”

- Zak Brown

Speaking to Sky Deutschland after the race, Brown also acknowledged the major strategic error committed by the team: “We clearly made a huge mistake. I think Oscar was absolutely impeccable all weekend. We gave his win away. I think it’s the reality. There’s no other way to look at it. And we gave Lando’s podium away. Very frustrating.

“We clearly made the wrong call. Nothing we can do about it now other than learn from it. This is two weekends in a row with some big learnings. But we need to come back in Abu Dhabi and fight hard.

“We’re leading the championship. Gave away some points for Oscar. So we need to not make these mistakes. It’s obviously all a bit raw at the moment.”

Photo: Race Pictures

Finally, the American admitted that McLaren, thanks to that mistake, handed Verstappen the victory, paving the way for him to remain in the title fight set to be decided in Abu Dhabi: “We kind of handed that one to him. Not that he didn’t do a great job.”

All scenarios that would crown Norris-Verstappen-Piastri champions in Abu Dhabi

Lando Norris heads into Abu Dhabi as the favorite for the title, but Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri are still very much in the hunt, proving that the season finale could hold any outcome.

After another strategic misstep from McLaren, the championship race has opened up dramatically, with Yas Marina set to once again decide the fate of the drivers’ crown. Norris leads the standings by 12 points over Verstappen and 16 over his teammate, giving him the upper hand — but nothing is guaranteed.

Here’s a breakdown of what each of the three title contenders needs to secure the championship.

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