Brown: Horner’s exit from Red Bull, no surprise, just the timing.

Zak Brown Surprised by the Timing of Christian Horner’s Dismissal at Red Bull

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has stated that the only surprise regarding Christian Horner’s dismissal from Red Bull Racing was the timing of it. Horner was removed from his position two weeks ago, after 20 years at the head of Red Bull’s Formula 1 team. The news shocked the F1 world, although it came after a period of less outstanding results for Red Bull, while McLaren has established itself as the dominant team in the competition this season, leading both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships.

Maybe the moment, but not the result.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing

Brown commented that, although the result did not take him by surprise, the situation at Red Bull has been marked by tension in recent years, suggesting that the situation could have been worsening. “It doesn’t surprise me, in the middle of the season,” Brown added. “We are focused on our championship. They still have Max Verstappen competing, so we must pay attention to that. They have had tremendous success.”

Horner’s dismissal came a year after the 51-year-old executive remained in his position following an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct by a former Red Bull Racing employee. Last year’s scandal exposed internal divisions at Red Bull, although the statement announcing Horner’s departure included a quote from Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and new investments at Red Bull, thanking the former team boss. In addition to filtered images from his farewell speech to staff and a statement issued on social media, Horner has not commented on the news nor given any indication of his future. The dismissal of Horner: Red Bull’s bet to keep Verstappen? Brown, who maintains a long-standing rivalry with the former Red Bull team principal, believes that Horner will find a new role in F1 if he wishes. Brown added: “Given his age and his history in motorsport, I would be surprised if he didn’t appear somewhere in motorsport. But I don’t know his other interests, if he wants to manage a football team or whatever. We’ll see.”