'Brown mocks Alpine in blunt message to Piastri at McLaren event'

Norris was crowned world champion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after he crossed the finish line in third place behind Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.

For the Briton, that was enough to secure his first Formula 1 drivers' title, while his Australian teammate ended up finishing third in the standings, 13 points behind Norris.

In a video circulating on social media, recorded by someone in the audience, McLaren CEO Brown said: "We took big risks with both of you."

Then turning to Piastri, he added: "And don't pretend you had better options, you had f****** Alpine," as the room burst into laughter.

The 24-year-old was an Alpine junior and the team's reserve driver, before joining McLaren for the 2023 season.

The French team finished last in the constructors' championship this season, after the team switched its focus to the following season early on.

The American CEO was ready to congratulate both of his drivers after the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit.

So much so that he was quick to jump in, interrupting race engineer Tom Stallard on the team radio.

Brown said: "What a season, what a season. You're a star. Seven wins. We love ya. We'll do it again next year. Thank you Oscar for everything you've done. What a year."

Moments later the American did the same again: "Oscar, very proud of you. Awesome. What a team player. We go again next year. See you on the podium," he added.

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