F1 rivalries are nothing new, but some feuds go deeper than just trackside drama. One of the sport’s most talked-about tensions — between McLaren CEO Zak Brown and former Red Bull boss Christian Horner — might finally be cooling off.
With Horner now stepping away from Red Bull and Laurent Mekies taking the reins, Brown is hopeful that a new, more respectful era of competition is on the horizon.
Zak Brown Reflects on the Feud That Went Too Far
In a recent chat with The Race, Brown admitted what many fans already suspected: his war of words with Horner sometimes crossed the line.
“There’s always going to be some politicking,” Brown said, “but when you start getting into frivolous allegations, that’s just too far.”
The two men have history. Their rivalry stretches all the way back to Formula Three, and it only grew sharper as they led two of F1’s biggest teams in recent years.
Verbal jabs, passive-aggressive press quotes, and subtle digs were part of the norm.
A New Face at Red Bull Brings New Hope
The big shift happened last month, just three days after the British Grand Prix, when Christian Horner was suddenly removed from operational duties at Red Bull. That move ended his 20-year reign at the team — a bombshell moment for the sport.
Stepping into the spotlight now is Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls. And according to Brown, this could be just what the paddock needs.
“I’m happy he’s in the role he’s in,” Brown said. “I like Laurent, and I think that’ll be healthy. Maybe we can get back to focusing on the racing.”
He also added, “I’ve known Laurent for a long time. I’m a fan — and I think it’ll be good to go racing against someone like him.”
Drawing the Line in the Political Sand
Brown didn’t pretend politics in F1 would magically disappear. After all, teams are always trying to push the limits — both technically and politically.
“There’s always going to be politicking,” Brown admitted, “like trying to get their flexi wings banned or whatever.”
But for him, the problem was never strategic maneuvering — it was when things turned personal or petty. He recalled that “the line got crossed,” and that kind of toxicity “was unhealthy.”
Now, looking at the paddock, he feels things are getting back on track: “We’re still fighting hard, but there’s a line. And I think we’re finally respecting it again.”
Horner’s Controversial Exit and Current Status
Christian Horner’s exit didn’t happen in a vacuum. Earlier this year, he was the subject of serious allegations involving coercive behaviour toward a female colleague. Two separate investigations led by King’s Counsel cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Horner has always denied the allegations, and the woman involved has since left Red Bull for a new job elsewhere in motorsport. Horner himself is now on a break from the sport, with no word yet on whether he plans to return.
Looking Ahead to a Cleaner Rivalry
With Horner out of the frame (for now) and Laurent Mekies stepping into leadership, Zak Brown seems optimistic. Less drama, more racing — that’s the hope.
For fans and insiders alike, it’ll be interesting to see whether this shift leads to genuinely healthier rivalries… or just a temporary pause before the next storm.
