Mclaren F1 Boss, Zak Brown and Rich Energy Indulge in an Ugly War of Words as Latter Demands Apology

After their split from Haas F1 earlier this season, evidently, 15 minutes of fame was not enough for Rich Energy. Recently, they posted a strange tweet, which was teasing a potential deal with McLaren. However the British marquee was not amused at all and slammed the rumour as a ‘publicity stunt’.

In fact, McLaren CEO Zak Brown admitted that he was surprised when he learned of the tweet. He then proceeded to quickly deny any suggestion that there were talks with Rich Energy’s chief William Storey. Brown was even unyielding when he said that there would not be any future discussion with Rich Energy either

“Not at all,” said Brown to the media. “I was sent that [tweet], and the guy obviously likes to draw attention to himself.

“I haven’t spoken with them. I won’t speak with them. I think that is an attempt to get some publicity.”

According to Brown, McLaren were not expected to add more sponsors in 2020, and were perfectly happy with their current sponsors. However, it was note-worthy that the team’s deal with Brazilian oil company Petrobras will be terminated soon.

He also opened up on a one-off deal between McLaren sponsor Huski Chocolate and Alfa Romeo for the US Grand Prix 2019. According to the former racer, it was not a sign that the drinks company was going to swoop in.

“We have a long term contract with them,” explained Brown. “Finn Rausing [Alfa F1 team co-owner] and the owner of Huski are from the same country [Sweden] and they do business together.”

“So there is just an existing relationship there. They have a lot of people out here this weekend, so they wanted some additional exposure.”

For this weekend, the McLaren team have been struggling, with both drivers outside the top 10 in the first two practice sessions.