There are corporate speeches, and then there's Zak Brown. At McLaren's Christmas party, the British team's boss delivered a moment that instantly became iconic, to the point that the video of his speech is now circulating widely on social media. The result: a cascade of laughter, enthusiastic comments… and fans clamoring for more.
In a relaxed, boozy, and above all euphoric atmosphere, McLaren had something to celebrate. Land Norris had just secured its first championship title, while the team was enjoying another constructors' title in 2025. Suffice it to say, the atmosphere was ideal for dropping the filters – and Zak Brown clearly did not resist the temptation.
From the moment he took the stage, the American CEO set the tone, launching a direct attack on… his own pilots. They adore me, they idolize me " he says with a sly smile, before driving the point home: They call me “Big Daddy” behind my back »
A burst of laughter erupted in the room, while NorrisRed with embarrassment, he hid his face from the applause.
More Brown He doesn't stop there. He goes on to discuss the internal hierarchy with another pointed remark:
" The The truth is, they're going to come after me. but never to Andrea StellaBecause deep down, they're terrified of it. »
A comment met with an approving thumbs-up from the person concerned, triggering another round of laughter.
Big Daddy Brown reigns supreme at McLaren's Christmas party: a viral and irreverent speech
It was then impossible to ignore the coronation of NorrisBrown then slips in a direct reference to the FIA Awards ceremony, where Mohammed Ben Sulayem had messed up the Briton's hair : " What I really want to do is mess up your hair. »
Then, turning towards Piastres, falsely provocative: " But I'm going to challenge Oscar and see what he's capable of. »
The two pilots laugh heartily, as does the public, won over by this verbal ping-pong without the slightest animosity.
Zak Brown He even takes self-deprecation to the team's strategic choices:
« We took risks with both of you, and don't pretend you had better options. »
Before launching at Piastres : " You had… Alpine. » And to Norris, with a smile: " And you, you just had to be faster than Stoffel Vandoorne »
The response ofOscar Piastri He doesn't keep us waiting. The Australian, true to his dry humor, revisits one of the most embarrassing moments of the season:
« At times, it was really exhausting. I think it put us to the test… not as much as our boards in Las Vegas »
Before concluding, laughing: " We can laugh about it now! »
Immediate applause in the hall.
Beyond the jokes, this viral moment reveals above all the mindset of a team full of confidence, united, able to laugh at its mistakes and celebrate its successes without taking itself too seriously. Zak Brown, acting as master of ceremonies, reminded everyone why McLaren has not only become a benchmark on the track again, but also one of the most popular teams in the paddock F1.
One thing is certain: between titles, self-deprecation and family spirit, the McLaren Version 2025 has found the perfect recipe. And if this evening is a preview of the upcoming season, fans can already rub their hands together in anticipation.
