Brown expects Red Bull unrest to have long-term F1 implications

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has expressed that he expects the unrest through Red Bull’s ranks to have long-term implications on the team’s Formula 1 competitiveness.

The tension within Red Bull has been palpable since an internal investigation into boss Christian Horner’s behaviour clouded the champion’s pre-season preparations.

But while he was exonerated from allegations of inappropriate conduct, Max Verstappen’s father Jos claimed Horner’s presence could “tear apart” the Red Bull team.

Verstappen Sr and Horner’s divide continued over a cancelled demo run in Austria last month amid persistent speculation regarding Verstappen moving to Mercedes.

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The Verstappen camp maintains a close relationship with Helmut Marko and Red Bull’s Austrian faction, while Horner’s backing derives from the majority Thai owner.

However, the evident power struggle that’s ensued between the two parties hasn’t hindered Red Bull’s on-track results as it continues to boast leads in both standings.

But Brown, who disclosed McLaren has received increased CVs from Red Bull affiliates, believes the turmoil will have an impact come the regulation overhaul in 2026.

“I think the turmoil will have more of a mid-to longer-term impact,” he explained.

“Adrian Newey [Red Bull’s outgoing Chief Technical Officer] … this car was done last year, what they are racing now was done when everything was fine.

“It’s more ’26 when you’ve got a new engine coming.

“What’s going on with the driver front – that’s where you potentially are going to see the lack of stability that appears to be there maybe come through a little bit.

“Winning holds things together and, as that becomes more of a challenge for them, that’s where you might see some more fractures in various relationships inside that camp.”

Nevertheless, Brown is convinced McLaren’s inroads since its remarkable turnaround last term will provide it with an opening to compete for a title prior to the reset.

With six drivers having won races across the opening 12 rounds this season, the American suspects that a four-team championship battle could be brewing in 2025.

“I think next year could be an epic season, right? You could have four teams fighting for the championship,” he added.

“It would be naive to rule out someone who’s not in the top four right now, because we do see how quickly things can change.

“Everyone has very similar technology, so there’s no reason why others can’t do what we’ve done the last year.”