The feud between McLaren and Red Bull in Formula 1 has reached epic proportions, with McLaren CEO Zak Brown finally admitting that things “went too far” during Christian Horner’s tenure at Red Bull.
The tension between Brown and Horner hit its peak in the 2024 season when Horner publicly insulted Brown in Netflix’s Drive to Survive, calling him a “pr*ck.” This was fueled by Brown’s demand for an investigation into Horner over alleged inappropriate behavior towards a female colleague, which Horner was later cleared of after an internal probe.
The rivalry escalated further over a dispute about tire cooling that started in Singapore and spilled over to the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Brown even went as far as mocking Red Bull by drinking from a bottle labeled ‘tire water,’ prompting a sharp retort from Horner offering Brown a Red Bull drink for energy.
However, with a change in leadership at Red Bull, Brown is hopeful for improved relations. He expressed optimism about McLaren’s relationship with Red Bull under Laurent Mekies, stating that it could lead to a healthier focus on competition on the track rather than off-track politics.
Brown acknowledged that the rivalry had crossed a line in the past but now sees a chance for a positive change. He envisions a respectful yet fierce competition akin to McLaren’s rivalry with Ferrari and Mercedes, praising Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur for celebrating Lando Norris’s victory in Miami as a sign of a healthy relationship between teams.
Looking ahead, Brown emphasized the importance of trust and cooperation between teams for the benefit of the sport. He stressed the need for confidentiality in discussions and a unified approach to working together while still maintaining a competitive spirit on the track.
As McLaren and Red Bull navigate their complex history and forge a new path forward, the world of Formula 1 braces for a showdown where respect, competition, and collaboration will shape the future of the sport.
