McLaren boss Zak Brown claimed on Sunday that Formula One is ‘healthier’ without Christian Horner.
The sport is still in shock after Horner was ‘released from operational duties’ three days after the British Grand Prix last month, ending the Englishman’s 20-year tenure at the helm of Red Bull.
Horner and Brown, who raced against each other in Formula Three, had a long-standing antipathy and frequently aimed barbs at each other.
And ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Brown pointedly welcomed Horner’s successor, Frenchman Laurent Mekies.
‘I just left having a chat with Laurent,’ he said from inside the Hungaroring paddock. ‘I’m happy he’s in the role he’s in. I am a fan of Laurent, I’ve known him a long time, and I think it will be healthy. Maybe we can get back to focusing on competition on the track.
‘There is always going to be some political aspects to the sport. But, as I say, it’s going to be healthier with Laurent.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown argued that Formula One will be ‘healthier’ without Christian Horner
Horner’s 20-year association with Red Bull came to an end last month amid a difficult season
The 51-year-old has since been replaced at the helm by former RB boss Laurent Mekies
‘We’re going to be in a better place, a little bit more unified, and more trusting that while we’re fighting down the track we can have a conversation about what’s good for the sport.’
Horner, 51, survived accusations of coercive behaviour towards a female colleague last March, having been cleared in two KC-led investigations. He has always denied the claims and the complainant has left Red Bull to take up a new role in motorsport, as the Daily Mail revealed last week.
Horner is taking some time out from the sport, but Brown expects his old sparring partner to return.
‘I presume he’ll be back,’ said the American. ‘He’s young. He’s a racer. He’s got credentials that are pretty awesome.
‘I’m looking forward to racing Red Bull more in the way we race Ferrari and Merc, being more collegiate, because it’s important for the benefit of the sport that we all can work together.’