F1: Brown rejects ‘two-horse race' assessment, expects Verstappen move
McLaren's Oscar Piastri leads teammate Lando Norris by 15 points, with Verstappen now 61 points behind the Australian after 11 of 24 races.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner said in Austria at the weekend, after Verstappen was shunted out on the opening lap, that the battle was effectively over before the mid-point of the season.
'It looks very much like a two-horse race. They (McLaren) have got a cushion to the rest of the field,' Horner told reporters.
But Brown told Reuters at an event for McLaren fans in London's Trafalgar Square that it was far too early to say that.
'I think it's a four maybe even a five (horse race),' said the American.
'We're in a great position, but we know how quickly things can change in Formula One. Max isn't that far behind, and he's that awesome, and then George (Russell) isn't far behind him, and you can definitely see Mercedes is getting tougher and tougher and are not far away.
'And nor is Ferrari so I think (Charles) Leclerc, Max and George, it's way too early to not have them in the race.
'Maybe ask me that question in another five races, and I'll answer it differently. But right now, I see those five all in contention for the championship.'
RELATED | Missing the driver's championship title would be no failure, says Norris
Verstappen has been linked repeatedly with Mercedes, who have acknowledged talks with the Dutch driver about a future switch, with 2027 looking more likely.
Brown has said before that he expected Verstappen to join Mercedes eventually and he stood by that.
'There's a lot of noise. I'm a believer of where there's smoke there's fire. No one's kind of denying anything, no one's making firm 'I'm gonna be in this car next year',' he explained.
'So in my experience and reading the tea leaves I feel like something's going on, maybe something's even already done ... it's what makes Formula One fun -- there's always some storyline for everyone to follow, so I think I stand by my prediction.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
PCB's Incompetence Exposed In Epic Rant By Ex-Pakistan Star: "What's The Point?"
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appointing Azhar Mahmood as interim head coach of the team. Akmal said he "didn't understand the logic" behind the appointment and questioned the PCB for its lack of seriousness and poor managment. Speaking on The Game Plan Podcast on YouTube, Akmal likened Mahmood's appointment to PCB's controversial move of naming Mickey Arthur as director of cricket while the South Africa was remained committed to English county side Hampshire. "I just don't understand the logic behind this decision. It's exactly like the time PCB made Mickey Arthur director of cricket while allowing him to continue working with a county team. I couldn't understand it then, and I can't understand it now," said Kamran. Akmal hinted that Mahmood's appointment reflects PCB's incompetence, blaming the board for the recent decline of Pakistan cricket. "That role (Mickey Arthur) has continued, and it has brought many issues into Pakistan cricket. The same thing is now happening with the interim coaching setup. Before this, it was Aaqib Javed, then Mohammad Hafeez and now Azhar," he added. Akmal also urged the PCB to focus on long term goals instead of pleasing people. "These decisions reflect a lack of seriousness. When the PCB starts thinking seriously and acting professionally, it won't have to make such compromises or temporary appointments," Akmal pointed out. "Everyone has been appeased, and now Azhar has also been rewarded. If you've made him head coach, then give him the full time and responsibility. Otherwise, what's the point?" he explained. Former fast bowler and 1992 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup winner Aaqib Javed had been fulfilling the role as red-ball coach following the departure of Australian Jason Gillespie towards the end of last year. Mahmood's first task will be preparing the side for their upcoming assignment for the new ICC World Test Championship cycle, which is scheduled to be when South Africa visits Pakistan for a two-match series later this year.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Mayer set to challenge Ben Sulayem for FIA presidency
Mohammed Ben Sulayem will face a challenge to his bid for re-election as president of the FIA, motorsport's world governing body, after a rival candidate emerged on Thursday. The BBC reported American Tim Mayer, a former Formula One steward and son of former McLaren principal Teddy Mayer, would announce on Friday he was standing against the Emirati. A press conference was called at a venue outside the Silverstone circuit ahead of British Grand Prix practice. Mayer, 59, told the BBC last November that he had been fired via text message by an assistant to Ben Sulayem. Ben Sulayem, an Emirati, is scheduled to attend the race which marks the midpoint in the Formula One season. He has already announced he is seeking a second term. The FIA is the governing body for F1, the world rally championship and Formula E among other series.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'We will miss you so much': Jurgen Klopp 'heartbroken' by Diogo Jota's death
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his younger brother André, who were killed in a car accident on Thursday. Jota, 28, and André died after their car veered off a motorway in northern Spain and burst into flames. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Klopp, now serving as Red Bull's "head of global soccer," had been instrumental in bringing Jota to Liverpool in 2020, convincing the club's board to sanction a £45 million ($62 million) transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers after being impressed by the Portuguese forward's performances. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In an emotional post on Instagram, Klopp shared his grief: "This is a moment where I struggle!" he wrote. "There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. "Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! "We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace -- Love." During Jota's early days at Liverpool, Klopp had described him as an 'exceptional player, exceptional boy,' underlining the strong bond they shared. Jota made an immediate impact after joining the Reds, becoming the first player in Liverpool's history to score in each of his first four home games. He played a crucial role in the club's 2021/22 campaign, helping them win the League Cup and FA Cup, and coming agonizingly close to a historic quadruple — narrowly missing out on the and Champions League titles.
