Zak Brown's Reaction to Christian Horner's Dismissal

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed that he was "not surprised" by Christian Horner's recent dismissal as the team boss of Red Bull. Horner was let go on 9 July 2025, just three days after Red Bull's driver, Max Verstappen, finished fifth in the British Grand Prix.

The Timing and the Drama

Brown mentioned in an interview with Canadian television channel TSN, "I'm maybe [surprised by] the timing, but not the result." He elaborated, "There's been a lot of drama there the last couple of years and it doesn't seem like that drama has been calming down - maybe been getting worse. So I'm not surprised."

Horner's Legacy and the Allegations

Christian Horner had been at the helm of Red Bull since their debut in 2005, leading the team to eight drivers' championships and six constructors' championships. However, his tenure ended amidst allegations of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behavior by a female employee. Although two separate internal investigations dismissed these claims, which Horner has consistently denied, the controversy has left a lasting impact.

Red Bull's Recent Struggles

Since the allegations surfaced, Red Bull has faced a turbulent period, marked by a decline in competitiveness. Key figures like Adrian Newey, the chief technical officer, and Jonathan Wheatley, the long-time sporting director, have left the team. Newey, regarded as the greatest F1 designer in history, now works for Aston Martin, while Wheatley has taken on the role of team principal at Sauber, which will transition into Audi's factory team next year.

The Future of Red Bull and Max Verstappen

Despite Verstappen's fourth consecutive world title last season, Red Bull has struggled this year, with Verstappen securing only two wins in the first 12 races. The team is currently fourth in the constructors' championship, fueling speculation about Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes at the end of the season.

Brown's Relationship with Horner

Brown's relationship with Horner has been strained in recent years. He criticized Red Bull's breach of the budget cap in 2021, calling it "cheating". Although Brown has taken a less provocative stance this year, he hasn't shied away from expressing his disdain for Red Bull's behind-the-scenes tactics, such as questioning the legality of McLaren's car.

A Light-Hearted Jab

At the Miami Grand Prix, Brown made a subtle jab at Horner by drinking from a bottle labeled "tyre water", referencing Horner's complaint to the FIA about McLaren allegedly using water to cool their tires. Brown dismissed the allegation as "spurious" and described the act as "poking fun at a serious issue".

The Road Ahead

As Red Bull navigates this new chapter without Horner, the F1 community watches closely to see how the team will adapt and whether Verstappen will remain with the team. The ongoing drama and shifting dynamics continue to make Formula 1 one of the most unpredictable and exciting sports in the world.