Christian Horner, the principal of Red Bull Racing, has recently addressed comments made by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, insisting that there is no ongoing “war of words” between the two teams. Horner pointed out that it is McLaren who has been vocal in their criticisms of Red Bull, particularly concerning the atmosphere within the team and recent investigations involving Horner himself. Brown has characterized Red Bull as having a “pretty toxic environment” and expressed his concerns about the team’s stability following the departure of prominent figure Adrian Newey.
Brown’s criticisms extend beyond team culture to include financial matters, specifically a breach of the 2021 budget cap. He has demanded greater accountability from Red Bull, suggesting that the team has been making excuses rather than owning up to their mistakes. Recently, he raised concerns about the RB20’s ride height and called for Red Bull’s leadership to sign an affidavit confirming that it was not used under parc ferme conditions, further deepening the rift between the two teams amid a competitive rivalry.
While McLaren has taken an aggressive stance, Horner believes Red Bull has largely remained focused on its own performance without engaging in unnecessary exchanges. He noted that competing at the top naturally invites scrutiny and that while McLaren has made several comments regarding Red Bull’s operations, the Milton Keynes team prefers to keep its comments minimal. This highlights a fundamental difference in the communication styles of the two teams as they vie for championship titles.
A particularly contentious issue arose during the United States Grand Prix when McLaren’s Lando Norris received a penalty after a controversial incident with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The penalty sparked a heated debate, with McLaren seeking to contest it, citing that Verstappen’s actions had forced Norris off the track. This incident further illustrates the competitive tension between the teams, emphasizing how closely contested the races have become as both sides aim for victory.
As they approach the Mexican Grand Prix, Red Bull and McLaren find themselves in a strong position in the championship standings. Verstappen leads the Drivers’ Championship by 57 points over Norris, while McLaren holds a significant advantage over Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship. This competitive dynamic ensures that the rivalry remains intense, with both teams motivated to assert their dominance on the Formula 1 circuit.
