Tensions rise as McLaren takes aim at Red Bull over key departures, with Zak Brown and Andrea Stella delivering sharp digs before the season opener.
One year ago, as the Bahrain Grand Prix kicked off the season, the paddock was buzzing—though not about racing.
Instead, all eyes were on the Horner affair. The Red Bull boss was facing allegations of workplace harassment, and the drama only escalated when his WhatsApp messages leaked online.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown stoked the fire back then, pointing out that Red Bull engineers’ CVs were “circulating in the paddock.” The message? The atmosphere at Milton Keynes had turned so sour that people were looking for the exit.
Turns out, Brown wasn’t wrong. Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley have since packed their bags—heading to Aston Martin F1 and Sauber, respectively.
But McLaren no longer needs Red Bull’s troubles to thrive. According to Brown, the team has become the most attractive destination in F1, as proven by Oscar Piastri’s contract renewal.
That didn’t stop him from taking another dig at Red Bull…
“For years, we’ve heard that other teams steal your sponsors, your drivers, your employees. That’s not true. You lose them.”
“Beyond contracts, we’ve worked hard to create an environment where people want to be at McLaren. I think we’ve succeeded—no changes on our pit wall this year. No changes in our technical leadership.”
A clear shot at Red Bull, which has not only lost Newey and Wheatley but also strategist Will Courtenay—who jumped ship to McLaren last year.
Stella Stirs the Pot Over Courtenay’s Gardening Leave
The tension between Red Bull and McLaren has only deepened over Courtenay’s enforced absence.
McLaren announced his signing in September, expecting to negotiate an early start. But Red Bull wasn’t having it. They stood their ground, meaning McLaren must wait until mid-2025 to put him to work.
Is this Christian Horner settling scores?
“Contracts must be respected, and we acknowledge their position. If that’s the route they want to take, we’ll be patient,” said McLaren team boss Andrea Stella.
“We value external expertise and learning how other teams operate. At the same time, we’re building an environment where our own people want to stay—and one that’s attractive to top talent. And, as it happens, some senior figures seem to be coming… from the same team [as Courtenay].”
Another sharp jab at Red Bull—just in time for the first Grand Prix. The gloves are off.
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McLaren vs Red Bull: The War for Top Talent Heats Up McLaren vs Red Bull: The War for Top Talent Heats Up
