Zak Brown has publicly commented for the first time on the shock sacking of Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing in the aftermath from the British Grand Prix.

McLaren F1 CEO Zak Brown insists he was “not surprised” by the sudden departure of arch rival Christian Horner at Red Bull. Horner, 51, was relieved of his duties as team principal and F1 CEO at Red Bull Racing after 20 years in the role. Laurent Mekies, formerly of sister team Racing Bulls, has taken over ahead of this week’s Belgian Grand Prix.

Longtime Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been fired after a 20-year stint that included eight Formula 1 drivers’ titles.