Horner Exits Red Bull: Mclaren‘s Brown Not Surprised by Departure
Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull Racing, which has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, comes as McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown admits he was “not surprised” by the move, although the timing caught him off guard. Just three days after the British Grand Prix, Red Bull announced Horner’s exit after nearly two decades at the helm, citing a decline in performance as a key factor in the decision.
Background on Horner’s Tenure
Horner had been a pivotal figure at Red Bull since the team’s F1 debut in 2005, leading them to multiple championships. However, following a stellar 2023 season, where Red Bull dominated the field, the team faced a decline in 2025, currently sitting fourth in the standings.
His removal also follows ongoing internal struggles at Red Bull following the death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz, which may have intensified the drama surrounding Horner’s leadership.
Brown Comments on Horner’s Exit
In an interview with TSN, Brown remarked, “Maybe the timing, but not the result. 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 it’s been getting worse. Anytime in the middle of the season, you can be surprised by changes.”
While acknowledging Red Bull’s continued strength with Max Verstappen, Brown noted, “They’ve had tremendous success.” He added that he wouldn’t be surprised if Horner remains involved in motorsport, reflecting on the veteran’s rich history in the sport.
Under Brown’s leadership, McLaren has successfully ended Red Bull’s dominance, claiming the 2024 F1 Constructors’ title and aiming to defend it this season. Drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are currently locked in a fierce battle for the Drivers’ Championship, marking a significant resurgence for the team.
McLaren’s Ambitioun
Brown, who took the reins as McLaren Racing CEO in 2018, has outlined ambitious targets for his team, emphasizing the importance of competing across various motorsport series. He stated, “I feel like we’re hitting our goals, but our ultimate aim is to win the Indy 500, the IndyCar championship, the Formula 1 constructors’ and drivers’ championships, and the World Endurance Championship.”
With plans to return to Le Mans in 2027 and a commitment to excelling in other racing categories, Brown remains focused on achieving greater success for McLaren.
As the sport navigates through this significant transition with Horner’s exit, all eyes are on McLaren, poised to capitalize on their current momentum. With aspirations to reclaim their status at the pinnacle of motorsport, Brown’s strategic vision could redefine the team’s legacy in the coming years.
