Is Zak Brown in Danger? McLaren Faces Judicial Scandal

One of the most delicate scandals in recent Formula 1 history shakes McLaren and puts the future of its CEO, Zak Brown, at risk.
The London trial exposes questionable internal practices, including deleted WhatsApp messages during a contractual dispute with Alex Palou.

One of the most serious controversies in modern Formula 1 is shaking McLaren, threatening to damage both the team’s reputation and the credibility of its CEO, Zak Brown.

The British team—synonymous with innovation and racing heritage—faces a legal battle in London that has uncovered concerning internal practices, including the erasure of key messages during contract negotiations with Spanish driver Alex Palou.

The origin of the Zak Brown McLaren Scandal: a broken promise to Palou

It all began in 2022, when Alex Palou, then IndyCar champion, signed a preliminary agreement with McLaren under the promise of being guided toward Formula 1.

However, the plan changed drastically when the team shifted focus to Oscar Piastri, closing any real opportunity for Palou to join F1.

Feeling betrayed, Palou filed a lawsuit alleging breach of contract and contractual manipulation.

The case reached the courts, where Palou’s legal team presented evidence directly implicating Zak Brown and other key members of McLaren’s management structure.

The scandal of the deleted messages

The situation escalated dramatically when documents revealed that key McLaren personnel enabled the “disappearing messages” function on WhatsApp during critical moments of the negotiation with Palou.

According to the lawsuit, this feature was deliberately used to erase sensitive conversations that could later serve as legal evidence.

Zak Brown did not deny requesting the deletion of some messages but defended himself by stating:

“It was for administrative reasons. We never acted outside company policies,” declared the McLaren CEO during questioning.
However, Palou’s lawyers argue it was a calculated strategy to conceal information and prevent the creation of a paper trail documenting internal decisions.

Impact on Formula 1: a dangerous precedent

The controversy has rippled across the Formula 1 paddock. Rivals such as Mercedes and Ferrari are closely watching the case, which could set a legal precedent for transparency in team-driver contracts.

The trial not only puts McLaren at financial risk—as Palou seeks millions in compensation—but also jeopardizes the reputation of both the team and its leader.

If intentional destruction of evidence is confirmed, internal sanctions, civil lawsuits, and even Zak Brown’s removal could follow.

End of the Zak Brown era?

 

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Although McLaren has not issued an official statement beyond saying it will “respect the legal process,” sources within the paddock report that the team’s board is watching developments with concern.

Brown—once seen as a visionary strategist and a driving force behind McLaren’s recent revival—now faces his toughest test yet, far away from the racetrack.

Inside the organization, tensions are running high. Many believe this case could cost him his position if it’s proven he tried to manipulate evidence or acted unethically in handling the Palou dispute.

The case remains open, and the verdict from London’s High Court could reshape contractual policy in Formula 1 and redefine McLaren’s future.

One thing is certain: Zak Brown is under more pressure than ever, and the outcome could alter the team’s modern history.

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