In the initial phase of the new Formula 1 season, a grand rivalry seems to be brewing between two team bosses. McLaren CEO Zak Brown stated after the Australian Grand Prix that the hostility between him and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is ‘genuine’. In the run-up to the Chinese Grand Prix, the latter lashed out at Brown, particularly over the comments he had made about Max Verstappen.
Christian Horner was asked by the media in Shanghai about Zak Brown – the American had said in an interview that Red Bull driver Max Verstappen would be driving for Mercedes in 2026. Horner, who is now fed up with all the speculation about his driver’s future, was unimpressed. “Everyone is entitled to an opinion,” he told Viaplay. “We are happy with the drivers we have now. I’m not sure what to make of this. Apparently, he (Zak Brown) has also been calling one of our drivers in recent weeks,” Horner dryly noted.
He was referring to the alleged contact between McLaren and Verstappen. De Telegraaf recently reported that the Brits had approached the world champion for potential contract discussions. Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but various performance clauses could break the partnership earlier. “If you’re so satisfied with your own drivers, why would you call?” Horner sneered. “I think it’s all hot air. We don’t pay too much attention to it. After all, you have to stay focused on your work. We’ll respond on the track.”
