P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has fired a recent shot at Red Bull’s team environment and the prospect of Max Verstappen leaving.
Current McLaren CEO Zak Brown has described Red Bull’s environment as “pretty toxic” and believes that the team’s recent troubles are not yet over. Despite leading both championships, Red Bull has faced difficulties in the 2024 season both on and off the circuit, with McLaren and Ferrari significantly reducing their advantage. Alongside racing challenges, Red Bull has also dealt with allegations of inappropriate behavior by team principal Christian Horner and the departure of Adrian Newey. Brown highlighted these issues on Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit podcast, emphasizing that Red Bull’s problems may continue. The uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen’s future with the team adds to the destabilization, with speculation that he could leave before his contract expires in 2028. While acknowledging Red Bull’s racing prowess, Brown noted that recent events have weakened the team, making Ferrari and McLaren appear stronger in terms of visibility and momentum. However, he also acknowledged the potential for rapid changes in the dynamic Formula 1 landscape.
