McLaren CEO Zak Brown has issued a strong warning to Max Verstappen, referencing the infamous 2021 British Grand Prix crash between the Dutchman and Lewis Hamilton. Brown cautioned that if Verstappen’s aggressive driving style is not kept in check, similar consequences could occur in the future.

The 2021 season saw a fierce rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton, with several on-track incidents escalating tensions. The most notable of these was at Silverstone, where Verstappen was involved in a high-speed crash after Hamilton made contact with his left rear tire. The impact was intense, registering at 51G, and Verstappen sustained a concussion that affected him for months.

Reflecting on this, Brown stated that Verstappen, while an exceptional driver, often pushes the boundaries, but a clear limit needs to be established. If not, incidents like the 2021 Silverstone clash could occur again. Brown emphasized the importance of not repeating such dangerous situations, adding that Hamilton had to draw a line in the sand that day.

Throughout the 2024 season, Verstappen has had similar skirmishes with McLaren’s Lando Norris. The two have repeatedly battled for track position, resulting in several incidents, including a DNF for Norris in Austria and penalties for both drivers in the U.S. and Mexico.

As the season progresses, Verstappen currently holds a commanding 62-point lead over Norris in the Drivers’ Championship. Despite a challenging start in Brazil, Verstappen showcased his resilience by coming from P17 to win the race, further solidifying his grip on the title. Norris, who started from pole, finished in sixth place, but McLaren remains in a strong position, leading the Constructors’ Championship ahead of Ferrari and Red Bull.