McLaren CEO Zak Brown reacts to Christian Horner's Red Bull exit
McLaren CEO Zak Brown Reacts to Christian Horner's Shocking Red Bull Dismissal
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has weighed in on the shocking dismissal of Christian Horner as team principal of Red Bull Racing, stating that while the timing caught him off guard, the decision itself was not surprising.
Horner, who led Red Bull’s Formula 1 team for 20 years, was sacked two weeks ago in a move that sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock. While Red Bull has been synonymous with championship success under Horner's leadership, the team has struggled to maintain its dominance recently, especially as McLaren has surged to the top of the standings this season, currently leading both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships.
Asked by TSN to comment on the stunning development, Brown said, "Maybe the timing but not the result.
"There has been a lot of drama there over the last couple of years, so it doesn't seem like that drama has been calming down -- maybe it's been getting worse," the McLaren chief continued. "So, I'm not surprised, any time in the middle of the season. But we’re head down on our championship.
"They've got Max [Verstappen] still knocking on the door, so we've got to pay attention to that. But, yeah, tremendous amount of success they’ve had."
Horner’s Dismissal Amid Red Bull Challenges
Horner's dismissal comes just a year after internal investigations at Red Bull Racing related to allegations of sexual misconduct made by a former employee. While Horner managed to retain his position following the inquiry, it highlighted fractures within the team’s leadership structure.
In a statement announcing his departure, Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO of corporate projects and new investments, expressed gratitude for Horner’s contributions, saying: "We thank Christian for his incredible dedication and achievements over two decades with Red Bull Racing."
Since departing, Horner has remained quiet about his future plans. Aside from a brief farewell speech to Red Bull staff – captured in leaked footage – and a short statement posted on social media, the 51-year-old veteran has yet to comment publicly on his ousting.
Zak Brown Speculates on Horner’s Next Move
Despite their rivalry, Brown suggested that Horner remains a valuable figure in motorsport, hinting that a return to the F1 grid or another prominent motorsport role isn’t out of the question.
"Given his age and his history in motor racing, I’d be surprised if he didn’t show up somewhere in motor racing," said Brown. "But I don't know his other interests, whether he wants to go run a football team or what have you. So, we’ll see."
Red Bull’s Uncertain Future Without Horner
The decision to move on from Horner raises questions about Red Bull’s future, particularly in managing the ambitions of their star driver, Max Verstappen, who remains a formidable force in the championship race. Many in the paddock are debating whether Horner’s exit is part of Red Bull’s strategy to retain Verstappen’s commitment long-term or is simply an effort to reset the team amid struggles.
The Legacy of Christian Horner
Horner’s legacy at Red Bull is significant, having overseen their rise to become a dominant force in F1, securing multiple drivers' and constructors' titles during his tenure. However, the timing, midway through the F1 calendar, leaves many wondering if Red Bull's decision is the right one as they fight to remain competitive in an increasingly McLaren-dominated season.
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