McLaren CEO Zak Brown softens stance on Christian Horner comeback in Formula 1. Brown praises Horner and suggests possible F1 return with Alpine interest.

The CEO of McLaren would reportedly welcome a return to Formula 1 for former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, potentially even in connection with the Alpine team.

Many clashes in the past

Time, as is often said, can heal all wounds and even repair relationships that once seemed impossible to rebuild. That may also be the case for two long-time fierce rivals such as Zak Brown and Christian Horner, who could now be approaching a moment of reconciliation.

It was, somewhat surprisingly, the McLaren CEO himself who virtually “extended a hand” to the former Red Bull team principal during a press conference organised by the team with major Formula 1 media outlets in attendance, including ScuderiaFans.com.

It is worth remembering that Brown was one of Christian Horner’s most vocal and outspoken critics when, at the beginning of the 2024 season, an internal scandal erupted within the Red Bull group regarding alleged inappropriate behaviour by Christian Horner towards a female team employee.

The American manager had described the situation as a “toxic environment” and had warned of potential reputational damage for the entire Formula 1 championship if Horner had remained in his position despite the accusations.

Maximum openness

Now, two years after those clashes and with Horner having already been out of the Formula 1 paddock for nearly a full season, Brown’s attitude has changed completely, to the point that he is now expressing support for a possible return of his former rival.

Regarding rumours suggesting that Horner could be interested in acquiring a stake in the Alpine team, the McLaren boss expressed a positive view:

“Christian was a major figure in this sport,” Zak Brown told journalists. “And this sport has always had great personalities coming and going. I think it would be fantastic to have Christian back in this environment. He is a great professional. His results speak for themselves.

“I would rather have ten mediocre team principals, but that is not going to happen anytime soon,” he added with a smile. “There is enormous talent constantly emerging. There have been many team principal changes over the last two or three years, but I think it would be fantastic to have him back in the sport.

“Considering his passion for this sport and his age, I would be surprised if he did not come back, whether with Alpine or with someone else.”