A curious team radio message from Zak Brown has caught the attention of Formula 1 fans, with a former team principal openly poking fun at the McLaren CEO. Zak Brown and the “worst team radio ever” is the curious episode that emerged at the end of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The McLaren CEO is now well known among fans and paddock insiders for his relaxed, easy-going and jovial attitude. However, there are times when trying too hard to be entertaining can turn into a double-edged sword. The message sent to Lando Norris at the end of the race at Yas Marina is a clear example of this.
Since his arrival in Woking in 2016, Zak Brown’s role has been absolutely central to McLaren’s revival. Smart management decisions, bold strategic choices and long-term vision have taken the British team back to the very top of Formula 1. McLaren secured two consecutive Constructors’ Championships in 2024 and 2025 and finally returned to the top of the drivers’ standings as well, with Lando Norris, a talent developed entirely within the team, becoming world champion.
It is precisely a team radio message broadcast at the chequered flag of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the British driver sealed the world title, that sparked irony across social media. Wanting to congratulate his driver while maintaining his trademark friendly tone, Zak Brown opened the radio message by saying: “Lando, it’s Zak Brown speaking: is this the world champions’ emergency number?”
The comment quickly became a talking point among fans and commentators, with many describing it as awkward rather than amusing. What was intended as a light-hearted joke ended up being perceived by some as forced, especially given the emotional and historic context of Norris winning his first Formula 1 world championship.
Steiner: “I think he wanted to be funny, but he wasn’t”
Speaking on The Red Flag Podcast, former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner tried to explain the team radio message from his friend Zak Brown. “I think he tried to be funny and sometimes, when you try to be funny, you’re not,” Guenther Steiner said. “That’s my opinion. It’s pretty flat. It’s not a funny joke!”
“[Zak Brown] is a nice person, but maybe when you try too hard to be funny, you’re not funny anymore,” the former Haas boss continued. “Or you think it would be cool to say it, you blurt it out, and it’s like: ‘is this the champion’s emergency number?’ Yeah, alright!”
Guenther Steiner’s comments added another layer to the discussion, highlighting how even moments meant to celebrate success can be scrutinised in modern Formula 1, especially when they involve high-profile figures such as Zak Brown. While the McLaren CEO’s intentions were clearly positive, the episode shows how quickly tone and timing can influence how messages are received by fans and media alike.
McLaren supporters will forgive the awkwardness—after all, the team ended 2025 on top. As the off-season kicks in, expect more reflections on a thrilling year, with Brown’s radio likely living on as one of the quirkiest clips from the campaign.
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