Brown Comments On Horner's Dismissal From Red Bull Amid Ongoing Team Drama

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Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, expressed that he was not surprised by Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull. Horner, who had been with Red Bull since 2005, was dismissed after the British Grand Prix. Laurent Mekies has taken over his role as CEO and team principal. Despite Horner's successful tenure, recent challenges led to this change.

Horner's leadership saw Red Bull achieve significant success, including six constructors' and eight drivers' championships. Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive world title last year under Horner's guidance. However, Red Bull's performance declined in the middle of the 2024 season, allowing McLaren to claim the constructor's title for the first time since 1998.

In addition to on-track struggles, Horner faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour in 2024. These were dismissed after internal investigations. Meanwhile, Verstappen's future at Red Bull is uncertain as he is linked with a potential move to Mercedes. Brown noted that despite these issues, Verstappen remains a formidable competitor.

Brown commented on the situation during an interview with TSN, a Canadian TV channel. He said, "I'm maybe [surprised by] the timing, but not the result." He acknowledged the ongoing drama at Red Bull and suggested it might have worsened over time. Brown emphasised McLaren's focus on their championship while acknowledging Verstappen as a key rival.

Horner is currently on garden leave until the end of this year. Brown anticipates Horner will return to motorsport in 2026 due to his extensive experience and passion for racing. "Given his age and his history in motor racing, I'd be surprised if he didn't show up somewhere in motor racing," Brown remarked.

The Formula One calendar continues with the Belgium Grand Prix this weekend. Red Bull last won at this track in 2021 with Verstappen leading them to victory. The race presents another opportunity for teams to showcase their capabilities amidst ongoing changes within Red Bull.