In the cut-throat world of Formula 1, a rivalry has been brewing behind the scenes, and it’s not just on the racetrack. The animosity between McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has reached a boiling point, with Brown admitting that there’s “no love lost” between the two.
Throughout their time in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, Brown and Horner have frequently clashed. Brown, in no uncertain terms, stated his disapproval of Horner’s management style at Red Bull, highlighting his lack of admiration for the way Horner ‘rolls.’
Last season, Brown didn’t shy away from expressing his criticisms of Horner’s leadership at Red Bull, particularly surrounding the team’s minor breach of the 2021 cost cap regulations. This violation resulted in a substantial fine for the team and a reduction in their wind tunnel time allowance.
Moreover, the friction escalated when Brown called for increased clarity in relation to an internal investigation into alleged controlling behavior by Horner towards an employee. Although Horner was absolved of any misconduct by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company, the incident only further strained their relationship.
Despite the tense atmosphere, the question arises if there’s any element of theatrics in their dispute, a possibility that Brown fervently denied. Instead, he stressed the importance of such rivalries in the sport, emphasizing that they add a layer of intrigue and complexity.
In an industry characterized by competitiveness and high stakes, rivalries are not uncommon. Some are friendly and centered around the sport, while others, like the one between Brown and Horner, can be more heated.
Last summer, Brown candidly shared the reasons behind their strained relationship. Despite a temporary truce after last year’s Singapore Grand Prix and Horner’s congratulatory message on McLaren’s Constructors’ title win in Abu Dhabi, their rivalry is still very much alive.
One of Brown’s major criticisms revolves around Red Bull’s multi-team ownership model, with Red Bull and Racing Bulls both operating under the same corporate umbrella, albeit racing independently.
In a revealing conversation last year, Brown didn’t mince words when criticizing Horner’s justifications regarding Red Bull’s cost cap breach. Brown, who has known Horner for nearly three decades, expressed his disappointment in the lack of transparency and accountability.
He emphasized the importance of integrity and honesty in the sport and stated that any breach of the cost cap, if not taken seriously, undermines the core values of Formula 1. For Brown, his outspokenness isn’t about personal vendettas but about protecting the sport he loves.
While his strong stance may not make him the most popular figure in the pit lane, Brown asserts that his priority lies with McLaren, its fans, and partners. As the rivalry between these two titans of Formula 1 continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the sport remains as engaging as ever, both on and off the track.