McLaren boss Zak Brown casts doubt on Christian Horner’s stability at Red Bull, highlighting strained relationships and high-profile departures.
Tensions remain high between McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Red Bull Racing’s long-time boss, Christian Horner. At 51, Horner has been warned about his future at Red Bull amid a series of very public challenges over the past year.
One of the toughest issues to manage was an allegation of inappropriate behavior involving a colleague—a claim Horner denied and that was twice dismissed by Red Bull’s parent company. The matter now rests in the hands of the justice system.
This controversy has taken a toll on Horner’s reputation, and in the months following the incident, several top figures—including Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley—have left the team.
Zak Brown was candid about his perspective on the situation:
“If I were in Horner’s position, I would feel incredibly vulnerable. Everyone faces immense pressure when they’re not performing at their peak—both on the track and off, with sponsors, public relations, and brand image on the line.”
He continued, “Imagine attending the F1 launch and not receiving a warm welcome like others, only to return to negotiations and find yourself sitting next to the marketing director of our sponsors, OKX and Mastercard. That scenario wouldn’t reflect well on anyone.”
Brown added, “With Red Bull GmbH’s CEO, Oliver Mintzlaff, in the room—and considering that the Verstappen camp doesn’t appear to have the best relationship with him from the outside—along with the departures of key figures like Newey, Rob Marshall, and Wheatley, I’d feel extremely vulnerable if I were in his position.”
Reflecting on the pressure he’d face from his board, Brown noted, “When I eventually meet with my board, I’d be asked: ‘Why did so many key people leave? And why wasn’t the welcome at the F1 launch as warm as it should have been?’ I can only imagine the kind of scrutiny Horner is under at the top levels of Red Bull.”
This candid take from Brown underscores the high stakes and intense pressure of leadership in Formula 1 today.
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Pressure Mounts: Brown Questions Horner’s Red Bull Future
Pressure Mounts: Brown Questions Horner’s Red Bull Future
