McLaren's Brown criticised over Horner remarks

Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull continues to polarise opinion in the paddock, while rumours persist about his potential return in a new role. Just before the summer shutdown, McLaren chief Zak Brown sparked debate by stating publicly that Formula 1 is better off without the long-time Red Bull team principal.

Veteran Dutch broadcaster Allard Kalff told Viaplay he disapproved of Brown’s remarks: “He’s lying on the floor, and people are still stomping on him,” he said, referring to Horner.

Former Bridgestone engineer Kees van de Grint also voiced disagreement over the McLaren CEO's attitude: “I didn’t understand that statement.”

Van de Grint suspects Brown’s stance is motivated by both rivalry and business: “I believe, by the way, that the new regulations - the new Concorde Agreement - will prohibit having two teams as owners,” he said, noting Horner’s former control over Red Bull Racing and sister outfit Racing Bulls.

“He did his job well, smartly. Others might not like that, but that’s no excuse to say ‘We’re better off without him’. You have to do your own work, look at your own team, and that’s it.”

Horner, 51, has seen earlier links to Ferrari and Cadillac fizzle out, but speculation now connects him to Alpine in partnership with Flavio Briatore, with possible involvement from Bernie Ecclestone. Insiders suggest such a move could finally give Horner part-ownership of a team, a goal that may have contributed to his Red Bull exit.

Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos told the Pit Talk podcast that Brown’s animosity toward Horner is well known: “He’s never been good friends with Christian Horner, let’s be honest, and I don’t think Toto Wolff is good friends with Christian Horner either.”

Wolff nonetheless credited Horner’s achievements, describing him as among the last “dinosaurs” of F1 management, comparable to past figures like Briatore and Eddie Jordan.

Doornbos echoed that view: “You also need character. I know Christian personally, and I think he’s a great guy. When you have a paddock full of Laurent Mekies, who are great guys, but not like Flavio, Eddie Jordan, and now probably Christian Horner, that makes a difference in the sport. It’s also important to have some truly dominant team principals.”

The Dutchman also tipped Horner to reappear in the sport, saying: “Once this sport is in your veins, you can’t say goodbye, and I don’t see Christian taking on a political role at the FIA, I don’t think that’s in his DNA. He’s more of a racer. He loves spending his Sundays at a Grand Prix.”