McLaren’s Zak Brown Says Horner’s Dismissal No Surprise Amid Deepening Red Bull Turmoil

McLaren’s Zak Brown Says Horner’s Dismissal No Surprise Amid Deepening Red Bull Turmoil

LONDON, July 22 — McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said he wasn’t surprised by Christian Horner’s dismissal as Red Bull team principal, though he admitted the mid-season timing caught him off guard.‍

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LONDON, July 22 — McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said he wasn’t surprised by Christian Horner’s dismissal as Red Bull team principal, though he admitted the mid-season timing caught him off guard.

Horner was removed from his position on July 9, just days after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished fifth at the British Grand Prix.

“The timing may have been a surprise, but not the outcome,” Brown told Canadian broadcaster TSN.

“There’s been ongoing drama at Red Bull over the past few years, and rather than settling down, it seems to have intensified,” he added.

Red Bull did not provide a public explanation for Horner’s departure, naming Frenchman Laurent Mekies — previously the head of sister team Racing Bulls — as his replacement.

Horner’s exit follows a turbulent period marked by a 17-month-old sexual harassment and misconduct allegation from a female employee, which was ultimately dismissed following an internal investigation. Horner has consistently denied the claims.

The team’s performance has also suffered, with several high-profile departures including chief technical officer Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, and head of strategy Will Courtenay.

Following four straight world titles, Verstappen’s dominance has waned, and amid speculation about a possible move to Mercedes, Red Bull currently sits fourth in the constructors' standings with only two wins from 12 races.

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner pictured ahead of practice at the Austrian Grand Prix at Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, June 27, 2025. — Reuters pic

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