Zak Brown takes final swipe at Christian Horner while praising Laurent Mekies’ Red Bull leadership. McLaren CEO Zak Brown comments on Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull.

In Formula 1, some rivalries never truly die, not even when one of the key players steps away from the spotlight. Zak Brown proved this once again, taking the opportunity of Christian Horner’s exit as CEO and team principal of Red Bull to deliver one of his sharpest jabs yet.

The new Red Bull era through the eyes of McLaren’s CEO

Over the years, Brown and Horner have often animated the paddock with fiery exchanges, especially in front of the microphones. That heated back-and-forth came to a halt with Horner’s step back, leaving the reins to Laurent Mekies, promoted from within the Racing Bulls to lead the Milton Keynes squad.

During an interview at Axios House, McLaren’s CEO was asked whether he would miss Horner’s presence. His reply, concise and dripping with irony, quickly made the rounds in the paddock: “Who?” A comment that perfectly captures the dynamic between the two and the atmosphere that had accompanied their rivalry over the past years.

But Brown didn’t stop at provocation. He also reserved sincere praise for Mekies, who in just a few months has managed to restore order to the team and bring it back within striking distance of the title with Max Verstappen, narrowly missed by only two points in Abu Dhabi.

“Laurent has done an excellent job. Culture in sport, in business, and in life is fundamental, and I think it’s been our greatest strength. I’m obsessed with our people and our culture: that’s what I devote all my time to,” Brown said.

The McLaren CEO also pointed out that signs of internal tension had already appeared at Red Bull before Mekies arrived:

“When things aren’t going well, you notice it immediately. Red Bull is an incredible team, but you could see where there was tension in the system, and performances started to drop. Then Laurent arrived, who I consider an excellent leader, and the results immediately improved. Culture is fundamental in any organization,” he added.

Mixing irony with analysis, Brown painted a clear picture: leadership and internal culture remain the real engine of performance. And, at least for now, Laurent Mekies’ Red Bull seems to have regained direction and stability.