Zak Brown Claims Christian Horner 'Changed' Due to F1 Fame and Success

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, asserts that former Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner underwent a significant character change, attributing it to his immense success, financial rewards, and fame from Netflix's 'Drive to Survive.' This comes as Horner plots his return to F1, potentially with a stake in a team.

Why it matters:

Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull and his subsequent rumored return could drastically alter the F1 landscape. As one of the sport's most successful team principals, his influence on any team, especially one he has a stake in, would be profound. Brown's comments shed light on the competitive and often personal rivalries that define F1's leadership, offering a rare glimpse into the dynamics behind the scenes.

The details:

• Horner's Departure and Future: Horner, who led Red Bull to 14 world championships, was removed from his position after the British Grand Prix and replaced by Laurent Mekies. He is reportedly securing significant financial backing to pursue a stake in an F1 team, similar to Toto Wolff's role at Mercedes.
• Brown's Perspective on Horner: Brown, who has known Horner for over 30 years, stated that while they "used to get on," Horner "changed" due to the "Drive to Survive fame, the money, the glory." He believes Horner "at times" did not play fair.
• Allegations of Unfair Play: Brown hinted at the 2024 tire water saga, suggesting Horner instigated rumors that McLaren was injecting water into their tires for performance benefits. The FIA found no evidence to support these claims.
• Comparisons in Racing Ethics: Brown likened Horner to a driver who would "squeeze you four wheels off the track," contrasting it with his own "two wheels off" approach, implying a difference in competitive ethics.
• Potential Ferrari Link: Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone speculated that Ferrari could be Horner's next destination, citing past interest from the Scuderia and recent "chaos" within the team, including Ferrari president John Elkann's critical comments toward his drivers.

What's next:

Christian Horner's next move is one of the most anticipated stories in F1. If he secures a stake in a team, it would signify a major shift in his career and potentially in the competitive structure of the sport. His return, especially with a direct ownership role, could reignite his rivalry with Zak Brown and other team principals, promising more fireworks both on and off the track. The rumors linking him to Ferrari add another layer of intrigue, suggesting a dramatic potential re-entry into the sport's highest echelons.