Zak Brown Alleges Drive to Survive 'Changed' Christian Horner
Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO, claims Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' and its associated fame transformed former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, making him overly aggressive. Brown, a long-time acquaintance, suggests Horner's behavior shifted from friendly competition to disruptive tactics, including making baseless allegations against McLaren. This public critique highlights how media spotlight can alter key figures' conduct, even as Horner's F1 future remains uncertain post-Red Bull departure.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, has publicly stated that Christian Horner, the former Red Bull team principal, underwent a significant personality change due to the fame and financial success brought by Netflix's 'Drive to Survive.' Brown, known for his candid remarks, suggested that Horner's behavior shifted from being a colleague to an overly aggressive competitor, particularly in his interactions and tactics within Formula 1.
Why it matters:
Zak Brown's outspoken comments highlight the deep-seated rivalries and personal dynamics that often simmer beneath the surface of Formula 1's competitive environment. His insights offer a rare glimpse into how external factors like media exposure can impact key figures in the sport, potentially altering their approach to competition and their relationships with peers. This personal assessment from a prominent team boss underscores the broader discussion about sportsmanship and the influence of 'reality' TV on professional conduct.
The details:
- Brown stated he has known Horner for over 30 years, initially describing their relationship as friendly before the advent of 'Drive to Survive.'
- He explicitly attributed Horner's change to the 'Drive to Survive fame, the money, the glory,' suggesting these factors 'got a bit much' for the former Red Bull boss.
- Competitive Conduct: Brown used a racing analogy to describe Horner's competitive style, categorizing him as a 'four wheels off' driver, implying he pushed boundaries beyond what Brown considered fair play.
- In contrast, Brown described himself as a 'two wheels off' driver, indicating a preference for aggressive but fair competition.
- Allegations and Disruptions: Brown accused Horner of making false allegations against McLaren, which Brown believes were intended solely to 'disrupt us' rather than address legitimate technical concerns.
- He emphasized that 'everyone in the sport knows you wouldn’t do that for technical reasons,' suggesting a deliberate strategy to destabilize McLaren.
What's next:
Christian Horner's tenure at Red Bull concluded in July 2025, with Laurent Mekies taking over as team principal. Horner officially departed Red Bull in September after reaching a settlement, which reportedly leaves the door open for a potential return to F1 in 2026. However, if Zak Brown's recent critique is any indication, a softened version of Horner is unlikely to emerge. Brown's comments reinforce the perception that Horner's assertive and often confrontational style, magnified by his public persona, became a defining characteristic of his leadership. A potential return would certainly reignite these rivalries, adding another layer of intrigue to the sport's already dramatic narrative.