McLaren boss Zak Brown has delivered a savage swipe to recently axed Red Bull supremo Christian Horner. Horner was sensationally sacked after 20 years with the team, in a move that caught the Formula 1 paddock by surprise in early July.

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.

LONDON, July 22 — McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown said Christian Horner’s sacking as Red Bull team principal was not unexpected, but conceded that he was taken aback by the mid-season removal. Horner was dismissed on July 9, just three days after Red Bull driver Max Verstappen finished fifth in the British Grand Prix.