Zak Brown Supports Christian Horner’s F1 Return as Hamilton Reflects on Major Mistake

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has reiterated his support for the potential return of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to Formula 1, describing the experienced administrator as a valuable asset to the sport.

Speaking to GPblog and other media outlets, Brown emphasized Horner’s proven track record and influence within Formula 1, stating that having a figure of his calibre back in the paddock would be beneficial for the championship.

“Christian was a great personality for the sport. Sport always has great personalities. They come, and go. I think it’d be great to have Christian back in the sport. He’s a great operator. His track record speaks for itself,” Brown said, as reported by GPblog.

The McLaren chief acknowledged that while he would prefer to see multiple strong team principals in Formula 1, the current landscape makes that unlikely in the near term. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that Horner’s passion for racing and his relative youth would likely lead to a return to the sport in some capacity.

Brown added that he would not be surprised to see Horner re-enter Formula 1, whether with a constructor like Alpine or another organization, given his enduring commitment to the sport.

Horner became eligible to return to Formula 1 on April 9, 2026, after completing the contractual obligations tied to his departure from Red Bull Racing. His dismissal from the Milton Keynes-based team occurred in July 2025, ending a tenure that saw him guide the squad to multiple constructors’ and drivers’ championships.

Despite past tensions between McLaren and Red Bull during Horner’s leadership, Brown indicated a willingness to move beyond previous rivalries. He has previously stated that he would welcome Horner back into Formula 1 with open arms, recognizing the former team principal’s capabilities regardless of their competitive history.

Brown’s latest comments come amid ongoing discussions about leadership stability across the Formula 1 paddock, with several teams having experienced changes in their principal roles over recent seasons. His advocacy for Horner’s return reflects a broader appreciation for experienced administrators who have demonstrated success at the highest level of motorsport.