McLaren CEO makes startling Red Bull admission after 'manipulator's axeing'

That both men, Zak Brown and Christian Horner were not best friends, was quite clear during their tenure in F1 together. Since the Briton's sacking though, the American has seen things change for the better in F1.

Not for the first time Brown has spoken out about Horner's dismissal from his duties as Red Bull Racing's team principal and CEO.

First he commentated on the timing of the axeing, then he stated that the way Horner had departed the team after so many sporting accolades was 'a shame.'

Speaking to De Telegraaf the American revealed he'd just had a meeting with Horner's successor, Laurent Mekies, whom he likes as new head of Red Bull Racing adding that: "I like him and I'm a fan of him."

Brown believes that the move has helped make Formula One healthier as the focus has switched back to what happens on track.

"Of course, there are always political aspects to this sport, but I think it sometimes went too far for this."

"With certain accusations about our car, a line was crossed," the American added.

Brown now looks forward to fighting Red Bull, and predicts political battle to dial down

Brown then looked ahead and was excited with the idea of fighting Red Bull as McLaren does against the other two top teams, Mercedes and Ferrari "on a more collegial level," for the good of the sport, he adds.

With Mekies, Brown believes the sport can now be more open as there won't be a threat of someone trying to politically manipulate 'certain things' and 'take them out of context.'

"I think we're all in a better position if we're a bit more united and we can just talk openly about what's good for the sport," Brown concluded.

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