Horner Issues ‘Move On’ Call as Rival Declares

Zak Brown believes Formula 1 will quickly shift focus away from Christian Horner’s abrupt departure from Red Bull, despite the shockwaves it sent through the paddock.

Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, the McLaren CEO described Horner’s exit as a “shame” but stressed that the sport’s fast pace means the story won’t linger. “By Monday, I don’t think we’ll be talking about it anymore,” Brown said, pointing to the relentless schedule and upcoming races as reasons for the swift move-on.

Horner, who led Red Bull since their 2005 entry, was ousted just days after the British Grand Prix, with former Racing Bulls chief Laurent Mekies stepping in. The decision followed Red Bull’s slide to fourth in the constructors’ standings this season, a far cry from their 2023 dominance.

Brown admitted the timing caught him off guard but wasn’t entirely unexpected given the team’s struggles and past internal tensions. “It’s a tough way to go out after all he’s achieved,” he noted, while emphasizing that F1’s competitive edge demands constant adaptation.

With McLaren challenging at the front alongside Ferrari and Mercedes, Brown turned attention to the battles ahead, including Max Verstappen’s title defense for Red Bull under new leadership. The grid remains stacked, with drivers like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri pushing hard for McLaren, as the season heads into its second half.