Zak Brown Delivers Reality Check to Christian Horner: 'He Has Changed'
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has openly criticized Red Bull's Christian Horner, suggesting that the fame from Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' has changed him for the worse, citing "money and glory" as corrupting influences. Brown also referenced Horner's past accusations against McLaren as attempts to disrupt their team, drawing a sharp distinction between healthy ego and detrimental arrogance in leadership.
Zak Brown believes that the fame brought by the Netflix series Drive to Survive “has changed” Christian Horner over time, suggesting that “the money, the glory, all got a bit much” for the Red Bull team principal. Brown, CEO of McLaren, didn't shy away from expressing his views on Horner's conduct and character.
Why it matters:
This commentary from a prominent team principal like Zak Brown offers a rare, candid glimpse into the personal dynamics and underlying tensions within Formula 1's leadership. It highlights how the sport's growing global profile, especially through platforms like Netflix's Drive to Survive, can impact personalities and relationships, potentially influencing strategic decisions and inter-team rivalries.
The details:
- Personal Transformation: Brown, who claims to have known Horner for over 30 years, stated, “We used to get on. His results are amazing. So, hats off. But he’s changed. I think the Drive to Survive fame, the money, the glory, all got a bit much.” This suggests a perceived shift in Horner's demeanor post-F1's surge in popularity.
- Allegations of Misconduct: Brown specifically referenced last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix, where Horner accused McLaren of illicitly injecting water into their tires to gain a performance advantage. Brown vehemently denied these claims, stating, “He made allegations towards our team. I can’t imagine he believed them. It was simply intended to disrupt us.”
- He further stressed the technical implausibility of such an act: “Regardless of legality, everyone in the sport knows you wouldn’t do that for technical reasons.”
- Ego vs. Arrogance: Brown drew a clear distinction between ego and arrogance, using it to highlight what he perceives as a fundamental difference between himself and Horner. He stated, “I have a huge ego. Make no mistake. Ego is good. Arrogance is terrible. For me, ego is all about pride. It protects my brand and the team’s performance. Arrogance makes you make mistakes.”
Between the lines:
Brown's remarks extend beyond mere personal criticism, touching on the ethical lines drawn by F1's top figures. The accusation of Horner making unfounded claims to disrupt McLaren points to a cutthroat competitive environment where psychological warfare might be employed. Brown's distinction between ego and arrogance could be seen as a direct jab at Horner's leadership style, implying that some of his actions stem from overconfidence rather than strategic pride.
What's next:
While Horner has kept a low profile since his departure from Red Bull last July, speculation continues about his future in F1, with Bernie Ecclestone even jokingly suggesting a move to Ferrari. Brown's public statements could further fuel the ongoing rivalries and discussions among team principals, potentially setting the stage for more verbal sparring as the season progresses and future team compositions are discussed.