Zak Brown Strikes Back and Erases Horner: “Frivolous Accusations from Him, While Mekies…”
The McLaren CEO has come out swinging against the Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, in a recent interview. Brown wasted no time in expressing his satisfaction with the leadership change at Red Bull, where Laurent Mekies has taken over the role previously held by Horner.
The decision to remove Horner from his position was aimed at eliminating internal controversies and focusing the team’s energy on on-track performance. With disappointing results in the first half of 2025, Red Bull’s management decided it was time for a change.
Brown didn’t hold back in his comments, stating, “Red Bull’s actions in the past have gone too far. There will always be controversies in Formula 1, but when the accusations become frivolous, it’s excessive.” The McLaren boss made it clear that he believes the sport should prioritize healthy competition over unnecessary drama.
The rivalry between Brown and Horner has been evident, with Brown taking a swipe at his counterpart, “If I look around the pit lane, I see that we are fighting hard politically, but the line is never crossed now, unlike in the past.” Brown emphasized the positive impact of Mekies’ appointment, highlighting a newfound sense of trust and confidentiality within the team.
With Brown’s strong words and unwavering support for the new leadership at Red Bull, the Formula 1 paddock is in for a dramatic shift. As teams gear up for the next races, all eyes will be on how the dynamic between McLaren and Red Bull continues to unfold on and off the track.