Christian Horner’s arch rival sticks the boot in: McLaren boss Zak Brown insists he’s ‘not surprised’ by nemesis’ sacking as Formula One prepares for first race without Geri Halliwell’s husband following brutal axing

McLaren chief Zak Brown has aimed a dig at his nemesis Christian Horner after he was sacked by Red Bull.

Horner, 51, was relieved of his duties earlier this month after 20 years in charge of the constructor, which under his leadership won eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships. 

Horner’s dismissal came a year and a half after he was caught up in a major controversy that threatened to engulf the entire team. 

He was accused of sexual harassment and coercive and controlling behaviour by a female employee following the revelation of alleged sex texts sent by the 51-year-old, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

He was twice cleared, initially after an internal investigation conducted by a lawyer, and then by another lawyer who dismissed the female employee’s appeal. Horner has strongly denied the claims throughout.

But while Red Bull backed their man throughout the unfolding saga in 2024, relations have undoubtedly cooled in the following months before he was dismissed.

McLaren chief Zak Brown has aimed a dig at Christian Horner after he was sacked by Red Bull

Horner, 51, was dismissed by Red Bull earlier this month after 20 years with the constructor 

Horner is married to ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and came under pressure in his role last year

And Brown, who had a long-running rivalry with Horner, was asked about the Brit’s dismissal ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, the first race since his exit.

‘I’m maybe [surprised by] the timing, but not the result,’ Brown told Canadian TV channel TSN. ‘I think there’s been a lot of drama there the last couple of years, and it doesn’t seem like that drama has been calming down – maybe 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 has been replaced as Red Bull team principal by Laurent Mekies and is expected to serve a period of gardening leave until the end of this year.

And when asked what the future holds for Horner, Brown felt this wasn’t the end of the 51-year-old’s career.  

‘Given his age and his history in motor racing, I’d be surprised if he didn’t show up somewhere in motor racing,’ the American added.

‘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.’

Brown’s rivalry with Horner came to the fore on Netflix’s Drive to Survive documentary, with fans accustomed to their intense relationship.

Brown said he’s ‘not surprised’ by Horner’s sacking after ‘a lot of drama’ at Red Bull recently 

Brown also backed the 51-year-old to return to motorsport in some form in the future 

Although the documentary is based on true events, there have been claims of some issues being dramatised further.

However, when speaking to The Telegraph in March, Brown insisted his turbulent relationship with Horner is real.  

Brown had said: ‘Oh, it’s genuine. There’s no love lost there. I don’t like how he rolls and no doubt he feels the same about me. 

‘But I think it’s good for the sport. You need different characters. You need these rivalries. Some are friendly, sporting rivalries. Some are a bit more vicious. It’s always been like that.’