McLaren chief government Zak Brown says he was “not surprised” by the sacking of Christian Horner after “a lot of drama” at Pink Bull within the final two years.
Horner was eliminated as CEO and workforce principal of Pink Bull three days after the British Grand Prix and changed by Laurent Mekies after over 20 years in control of the workforce.
Sky Sports activities Information understands no cause was given to Horner for his sacking and the 51-year-old mentioned the information got here as a “shock”.
“I’m maybe [surprised by] the timing, but not the result,” Brown advised Canadian TV channel TSN forward of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.
“I believe there’s been numerous drama there the final couple of years, and it does not appear to be that drama has been calming down – perhaps been getting worse.
“So, I’m not surprised, anytime in the middle of the season. But we’re head down on our championship. They’ve got Max [Verstappen] still knocking on the door, so we’ve got to pay attention to that. But, yeah, tremendous amount of success they’ve had.”
Horner, who joined Pink Bull in 2005 as F1’s youngest workforce principal, has confronted a turbulent final 18 months on and off the monitor.
Allegations of inappropriate behaviour made in opposition to him in February 2024 by a feminine colleague have been dismissed following two inside investigations, together with an enchantment, final yr. Horner denied the accusations all through.
McLaren have overtaken Pink Bull because the dominant workforce in F1 whereas a number of high-profile figures have left the Milton Keynes outfit over the previous 12 months, together with legendary designer Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber.
Verstappen’s future has additionally been questioned with Mercedes confirming they’re in talks with the Dutchman’s camp over a shock transfer.
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On The F1 Present, Ted Kravitz suggests Jos and Max Verstappen gained the facility wrestle at Pink Bull over Christian Horner, who has been sacked as workforce principal
As for Horner, Sky Sports activities Information understands he’s serving a interval of backyard go away till the tip of this yr, so a return to F1 will solely happen as early as January 2026.
“Given his age and his history in motor racing, I’d be surprised if he didn’t show up somewhere in motor racing,” mentioned Brown.
“But I don’t know his other interests, whether he wants to go run a football team or what have you. So, we’ll see.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Belgian GP schedule
Thursday July 24
1pm: Drivers’ Press Convention
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Look again at a few of the most dramatic moments all through the years on the Belgian Grand Prix
Friday July 25
7.55am: F3 Observe
9.05am: F2 Observe
11am: Observe One (session begins at 11.30am)
12.55pm: F3 Qualifying
1.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3pm: Dash Qualifying (session begins at 3.30pm)
Saturday July 26
8.10am: F3 Dash
10am: Belgian GP Dash (lights out at 11am)
12.20pm: Ted’s Dash Pocket book
12.40pm: F2 Dash
2pm: Belgian GP Qualifying (session begins at 3pm)
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book
Sunday July 27
7.25am: F3 Function Race
8.55am: F2 Function Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Belgian GP build-up*
2pm: THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered flag: Belgian GP response*
5pm: Ted’s Pocket book
*additionally reside on Sky Sports activities Important Occasion
The 2025 System 1 season resumes this weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix because the Dash format returns, reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime.
