McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed that he was not surprised by Christian Horner’s sudden departure from Red Bull Formula 1, although he found the timing unexpected. Horner was removed from his roles as CEO and team principal just three days after the British Grand Prix on July 9, ending his tenure that began with the team’s debut in F1 in 2005.
The news came during the 12th round of the 2025 season, with Laurent Mekies, the former leader of Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls, replacing Horner as the new team principal. This change follows Red Bull’s noticeable performance decline, after dominant displays in 2023 and finishing third in 2024, with the Austrian squad currently in fourth place this season.
Factors Behind Horner’s Departure: Performance and Internal Struggles
Horner appears to have been held responsible for the team’s drop in competitiveness. The announcement occurred 17 months after Horner was cleared of allegations of inappropriate behavior made by a female Red Bull employee, an episode that had previously cast doubt over his future at the team. Internal power struggles at Red Bull, intensifying after the death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz, may have further influenced the decision to remove Horner from leadership.
When questioned by TSN about his reaction, Brown stated,
“Maybe the timing, but not the result. I think there’s been a lot of drama there the last couple of years, and it doesn’t seem like that drama has been calming down – maybe been getting worse.”
Brown Comments on Horner’s Future and Red Bull’s Ongoing Challenge
Christian Horner has not revealed his next career move. However, Brown speculated that Horner would probably remain in the motorsport sphere given his experience and passion.
Brown said,
“Given his age and his history in motor racing, I’d be surprised if he didn’t show up somewhere in motor racing,”
and added,
“But I don’t know his other interests, whether he wants to go run a football team or what have you. So, we’ll see.”
The departure happens while Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen continues to pose a threat in the championship, with Brown acknowledging the impressive record of success horner helped build. He confirmed,
“So, I’m not surprised, anytime in the middle of the season. But we’re head down on our championship. They’ve got Max [Verstappen] still knocking on the door, so we’ve got to pay attention to that. But, yeah, tremendous amount of success they’ve had.”
McLaren’s Rise and Ambitions Amidst F1 Shifts
Brown’s McLaren team has ended Red Bull’s recent dominance by securing the 2024 F1 constructors’ title and is on track to defend its crown this year. The British outfit also expects to claim its first drivers’ championship since Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 victory, with teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris locked in a close contest.
Beyond Formula 1, McLaren extends its efforts into other motorsport arenas such as IndyCar, and the team is also planning a return to the prestigious Le Mans race by 2027, which includes a campaign in the World Endurance Championship.
Brown Outlines McLaren’s Long-Term Goals
In the same TSN interview, Brown emphasized there is still much to achieve for McLaren despite recent successes. Since becoming CEO in 2018, he has set ambitious targets across multiple series.
Brown said,
“I feel like we’re on our way,”
and continued,
“I feel like we are hitting our goals, but our ultimate goal is to win the Indy 500, win the IndyCar championship, win the Formula 1 constructors’ championship, win the Formula 1 drivers’ championship, and win Le Mans and win the World Endurance Championship – and then to do it again.”
He acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting,
“So we’ve only been able to do one of those so far, which is the constructors’ championship. But in all seriousness, I feel like we’re well on our way. But a lot of unfinished business.”
What Horner’s Exit Means for Red Bull and F1 Landscape
Christian Horner’s departure marks a significant turning point for Red Bull as the team navigates internal turmoil and shifting competitive dynamics. The transition to Laurent Mekies represents an attempt to stabilize leadership amid pressure from performance setbacks and corporate reshuffles following Dietrich Mateschitz’s death. Meanwhile, McLaren’s ascent signals a changing balance in the championship fight, raising questions about Red Bull’s ability to regain dominance without Horner at the helm.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, all eyes are on how Red Bull adapts to new leadership and how McLaren capitalizes on its momentum with drivers Piastri and Norris vying for glory.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 can be used. Pastor Maldonado chose #13 when the permanent number system started in 2014. Although some cultures see it as unlucky, F1 lets drivers decide.
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A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British race car driver in Formula One, currently racing for Mercedes, and he previously raced for McLaren. He openly shares his experiences with ADHD and talks about his wide range of interests and hobbies.
Q. Why is 17 not allowed in F1?
A. In honor of Jules Bianchi, who used the number 17 during his Formula 1 career, the number is no longer used after his passing.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton is a British race car driver born in 1985. He competes in Formula One for Mercedes and has also raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and explores his various interests and passions.