McLaren Racing’s CEO, Zak Brown, expressed that he was not shocked by the termination of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner but found the timing somewhat surprising. While Red Bull did not provide a specific reason for Horner’s dismissal, they acknowledged his contributions and stated he remains a significant part of their history. Laurent Mekies from sister team Racing Bulls has stepped in to take over Horner’s responsibilities.
Horner had been at the helm since Red Bull entered Formula 1 as a constructor in 2005 and had recently carried out his media and team duties during the British Grand Prix. Despite the ongoing rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull, Brown indicated that while the decision didn’t surprise him, it did raise questions about the timing. He noted the considerable drama surrounding Red Bull in recent years, suggesting that the situation appeared to be worsening rather than stabilising.
Over the past year and a half, several key figures have exited Red Bull, including car design legend Adrian Newey, who joined Aston Martin, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who moved to Sauber. These shifts have followed the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull co-founder, who played a crucial role in establishing the F1 team. Furthermore, Horner’s exit follows a year since he faced allegations of misconduct towards a team member, which were eventually dismissed following investigations.
Horner’s tenure was marked by significant success, overseeing four drivers’ championships with Sebastian Vettel, another four with Max Verstappen, and six constructors’ titles. However, this season has seen a decline in Red Bull’s performance, while McLaren has emerged as a dominant force. Despite this, Verstappen is still performing impressively, ranked third in the standings.
Brown remains optimistic about Horner’s future in motorsport, suggesting that given his extensive experience, it wouldn’t be surprising if he finds a new role soon. Brown noted that Horner’s interests could lead him in various directions, even possibly into a football management position.