McLaren CEO Reflects on Horner’s Departure and Team Ambitions
In a notable development within the motorsports landscape, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown addressed the recent ousting of Christian Horner from his roles as CEO and team principal at Red Bull Racing. The decision came shortly after the British Grand Prix, amid ongoing speculation regarding team dynamics and performance.
Horner’s dismissal follows a period marked by senior personnel changes and internal investigations, raising questions about Red Bull’s stability even as Max Verstappen remains a competitive force, currently third in the drivers’ championship with two wins this season.
Brown remarked on the situation: “Maybe [surprised by] the timing, but not the result. There’s been a lot of drama in the last couple of years, and it doesn’t seem to have calmed down.” He acknowledged the complexity of managing a top-tier team during the season and noted the significance of Verstappen’s presence.
While addressing Verstappen’s rumored potential move to Mercedes, Brown maintained a focus on McLaren’s drivers, highlighting his satisfaction with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. “I couldn’t be happier with our driver lineup,” he stated, indicating that any other developments would be observed as an interested spectator.
At the Honda Indy Toronto race, where McLaren’s Pato O’Ward celebrated victory, Brown emphasized the team’s long-term goals. “Our ultimate aim is to win the Indy 500, the IndyCar Championship, the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, the Drivers’ Championship, and Le Mans,” he declared, acknowledging that while progress has been made, significant objectives remain unfulfilled.
Brown’s strategic vision hinges on maintaining momentum, with recognition that McLaren has achieved only one of its ambitious targets – the Constructors’ Championship – to date. He concluded, “I feel like we’re well on our way, but there’s a lot of unfinished business.”
