Zak Brown: Horner Exit No Surprise, Only The Timing Was

• McLaren CEO says Christian Horner’s Red Bull departure was expected
• Points to ongoing drama and declining results at Red Bull
• Believes Horner will return to motorsport, though his next move is unclear

Zak Brown says Christian Horner’s exit from Red Bull Racing caught him off guard only because of the timing — not the decision itself.

Horner was dismissed two weeks ago after 20 years leading Red Bull’s Formula 1 team. While the move sent shockwaves through the paddock, Brown told TSN he wasn’t surprised it happened.

“Maybe the timing but not the result,” Brown said. “There has been a lot of drama there over the last couple of years, so it doesn’t seem like that drama has been calming down — maybe it’s been getting worse.”

“So, I’m not surprised, any time in the middle of the season. But we’re head down on our championship.”

Brown’s McLaren squad currently leads both the constructors’ and drivers’ standings, but he acknowledged that Max Verstappen and Red Bull remain in the fight. “They’ve got Max still knocking on the door, so we’ve got to pay attention to that,” he said. “But, yeah, tremendous amount of success they’ve had.”

Horner’s departure came a year after an internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations from a former Red Bull employee. While he remained in charge following that inquiry, tensions within Red Bull reportedly continued to simmer. His exit was announced with a formal statement that included thanks from Red Bull CEO of corporate projects and new investments, Oliver Mintzlaff.

Since his dismissal, Horner has kept a low profile aside from a short farewell speech to staff and a message on social media. He hasn’t confirmed whether he’ll remain in motorsport.

Brown, who has long had a competitive rivalry with Horner, said he expects the 51-year-old to land somewhere in the racing world.

“Given his age and his history in motor racing, I’d be surprised if he didn’t show up somewhere in motor racing,” Brown said. “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.”