Zak Brown delivers clear 'intimidation' message as McLaren 'tension' risk increases

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has insisted that the team does not feel "intimidated" by its two drivers fighting for a maiden F1 title, and has claimed no "tension" is being felt. 

Oscar Piastri heads into the final 10 grands prix with a narrow nine-point advantage over team-mate Lando Norris, whilst Max Verstappen in third is a sizeable 97 points adrift. 

Verstappen requires a miracle to claim a fifth consecutive world championship, with the general expectation being that it is now between the two McLaren drivers. 

No McLaren driver has won the drivers' title since Lewis Hamilton in 2008, whilst it looks set to comfortably defend its constructors' crown. 

The Woking-based outfit boasts a staggering 299-point lead over Ferrari and can seal the title as soon as Azerbaijan. 

With the constructors' championship effectively sealed, most expect the tension to rise between Piastri and Norris as the season reaches its climax. 

For both drivers, the current campaign could represent their only opportunity to secure an F1 drivers' title, given the uncertainty surrounding the new power unit regulations next year. 

Brown is adament McLaren is enjoying the fight between its drivers and is not "concerned" of things getting out of hand.

"We enjoy it," Brown told Sky F1 in Hungary. "We're racers, so to see them battling it out like we've seen now at a handful of races, it's exciting for us, we're not doing anything differently. 

"We don't feel any tension rising. We know, obviously there's a lot at stake, but it's all very positive, and we're enjoying it. We're not intimidated or concerned. 

"We know it's going to be tough, but we've got a great relationship with both drivers, very open and transparent, so I see no reason why they can't have an epic fight to the finish. May, the best driver win. 

"Hopefully it's between the two of them. I think there's still enough racing to not think it's just the two of them in the race. Hopefully, after another race or two, that will be the case, but still a lot of racing left."