F1 Shakeup: McLaren CEO Says Sport Will Be 'Healthier' After Horner Exit!

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown believes Formula One will benefit from a more positive atmosphere following Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull. Horner's exit, after more than two decades with the team, has paved the way for Laurent Mekies to take the helm, a change Brown anticipates will lead to a healthier competitive environment.

Brown Welcomes Mekies, Criticizes Past Relations

Brown expressed his satisfaction with Mekies' appointment, stating, "I’m happy he’s in the role he’s in. I like Laurent, and I think that’ll be healthy, and maybe we can get back to focusing on competition on the track." He emphasized that while political maneuvering is inherent in F1, he expects a more balanced dynamic under Mekies' leadership.

The McLaren CEO also alluded to past tensions between himself and Horner, suggesting that certain boundaries were crossed. "I think that it went too far. There's always going to be politicking... But when you start getting into frivolous allegations, I think that's just going too far." Brown hopes the sport can now return to a rivalry focused on on-track performance rather than personal disputes.

A New Era for McLaren and Red Bull?

Brown's recent meeting with Mekies at the Hungarian Grand Prix signals a potential shift in the relationship between McLaren and Red Bull. This meeting contrasts with Brown's previous interactions with Horner, suggesting a more collaborative approach moving forward. Brown expects the rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull to be more similar to how his squad battles with other teams on the grid now.

The change in leadership at Red Bull comes after a difficult period for Horner, marked by allegations of inappropriate behavior. While Horner denied the allegations and was twice exonerated, the situation created significant internal conflict within the team. With Mekies now in charge, Brown hopes for a more transparent and sportsmanlike competition between the two teams.

McLaren has emerged as a major force in F1 over the past 18 months, challenging Red Bull's dominance. With a new leader at Red Bull and a desire for a more constructive rivalry, the stage is set for an exciting chapter in Formula One racing.