McLaren team boss Zak Brown has ignited a storm of controversy within Formula 1 after his pointed remark — “there can only be one” — sent shockwaves through the paddock, fuelling tensions between his star drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. What appeared to be a casual comment during a post-race media briefing in Mexico City has now snowballed into a full-blown debate about favoritism, team hierarchy, and the brewing rivalry that threatens to split McLaren’s garage in half.
Brown’s words came when asked whether McLaren would continue to let both drivers fight freely for the title after Norris snatched the championship lead from Piastri. His cryptic response, “there can only be one,” was meant to emphasize focus and unity, but fans and pundits alike interpreted it as a declaration of loyalty to Norris — who has recently been the team’s sharper performer. The statement immediately set social media ablaze, with accusations that McLaren was preparing to sacrifice Piastri’s title hopes to back Norris for the remainder of the season.
Inside sources claim the mood within the McLaren camp has grown “tense and awkward,” with Piastri reportedly blindsided by the insinuation that his championship ambitions might be quietly deprioritized. The Australian, who led the standings for most of the year, is said to have taken the comment personally, especially after enduring a string of tough weekends in Austin and Mexico where strategic calls seemed to favor Norris. Mechanics and engineers are now reportedly walking on eggshells, aware that any perceived bias could ignite a civil war inside the team.
Meanwhile, Norris has distanced himself from the controversy, calling Brown’s statement “taken out of context” but admitting that competition within the team is “as fierce as ever.” Piastri, however, responded more subtly, saying that “team harmony matters, but so does fairness.” The public nature of the rift has drawn comparisons to infamous intra-team rivalries like Hamilton vs. Rosberg at Mercedes and Alonso vs. Hamilton in 2007 — scenarios that ended in chaos despite early attempts to maintain control.
McLaren’s management has since tried to pour cold water on the fire, releasing a follow-up statement insisting that both drivers remain free to race. But the damage may already be done. As the championship enters its final four rounds, what began as a friendly internal battle has spiraled into psychological warfare — and Zak Brown’s six fateful words may have lit the fuse that blows McLaren’s dream season apart.
