McLaren Boss Zak Brown Slams Christian Horner, Blaming Netflix for His Transformation

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has reignited his long-standing rivalry with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, directly attributing Horner's alleged change in character to the fame brought by Netflix's 'Drive to Survive.' This accusation marks the latest chapter in a public feud that has captivated F1 fans both on and off the track.

Why it matters:

The dynamic between team principals often provides a compelling subplot to the on-track action in Formula 1. When these relationships turn sour, especially among prominent figures like Brown and Horner, it highlights the intense pressures and personal rivalries that define the sport's top echelons. Brown's comments also offer a critical perspective on the impact of media exposure, like 'Drive to Survive,' on the personalities and behaviors within F1.

The Details:

• A Shift in Relationship: Brown, speaking to the British Telegraph, recalled a time when he and Horner shared a friendly relationship, acknowledging Horner's "amazing" results. However, he stated, "But he has changed."
• The Influence of Fame: Brown explicitly points to the "fame from Drive to Survive, the money, the notoriety" as factors that have "gotten to him a bit."
• Netflix's Impact: The Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' is widely credited with significantly boosting Formula 1's popularity, particularly in the United States, elevating team principals like Horner, Günther Steiner, and Toto Wolff to global celebrity status.
• Metaphorical Driving Styles: Brown used a driving analogy to describe their differing approaches, saying, "There are drivers who push you off with two wheels – that's okay. But four wheels off? That's not okay. I'm a 'two-wheels-off-the-track' kind of guy. Christian is a 'four-wheels-off-the-track' kind of guy."
• Allegations of Disruption: Brown accused Horner of deliberately creating unrest and making accusations he didn't genuinely mean, simply "to disrupt us."

Between the lines:

This isn't the first time Zak Brown has openly criticized Christian Horner. Their rivalry has been a consistent feature in the F1 paddock, often fueled by competitive tension and contrasting personalities. Brown's current remarks, however, introduce a new dimension by directly linking Horner's alleged behavioral changes to the external pressures of fame. While Brown's McLaren has seen a resurgence in recent years, Horner's tenure at Red Bull ended amidst significant controversy, with him being replaced by Laurent Mekies before his eventual departure.

What's next:

While Christian Horner's future in Formula 1 remains a topic of speculation, these comments from Zak Brown suggest that any potential comeback would likely be met with continued scrutiny and strong opinions from rival team principals. Brown's directness underscores the deep-seated personal rivalries that continue to simmer beneath the surface of the F1 world, irrespective of team loyalties or on-track performance.