Has "Drive to Survive" actually changed people in Formula 1? McLaren CEO Zak Brown certainly thinks so, pointing the finger at the Netflix series for altering Christian Horner, the former Red Bull team principal and CEO. Their relationship, once amicable, has seemingly soured, and Brown attributes the shift to the fame and fortune that followed Horner's exposure on the show.
Brown and Horner's clashes have been well-documented, often playing out on the popular docuseries. But their history goes back much further. "I’ve known Christian for 30-plus years. We used to get on," Brown revealed in an interview with The Telegraph. He acknowledged Horner's impressive achievements, saying, "His results are amazing. So, hats off." But here's where it gets controversial... Brown believes the increased attention has had a negative impact. "But he’s changed," Brown stated. "I think the Drive to Survive fame, the money, the glory, all got a bit much."
Drive to Survive, which hit screens in 2019, is widely credited with revolutionizing Formula 1's popularity, particularly in the United States and among younger viewers. It propelled figures like Daniel Ricciardo, the charismatic driver, Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal known for his colorful language, and, of course, Horner and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, into the mainstream spotlight. The series offered unprecedented access and created compelling storylines, drawing in a new generation of fans.
But has this newfound celebrity changed the dynamics of the sport itself? When pressed on whether Horner played fair during his tenure at Red Bull Racing, Brown's response was telling. "At times, no," he admitted. He then used a racing analogy to illustrate his point: "Back when I was racing, there were drivers who raced hard and squeezed competitors’ cars two wheels off the track. That’s OK. But other drivers squeeze you four wheels off the track. That’s not OK. I’m a two wheels off guy. Christian is a four wheels off guy." In essence, Brown suggests Horner crossed the line with his competitive tactics.
And this is the part most people miss... Brown went on to accuse Horner of deliberately attempting to destabilize McLaren. "He made allegations towards our team. I can’t imagine he believed them. It was simply intended to disrupt us," Brown explained. He further elaborated, "Regardless of legality, everyone in the sport knows you wouldn’t do that for technical reasons." This suggests a level of gamesmanship that Brown seemingly disapproves of.
It's worth noting that Horner was replaced as Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal on 9 July 2025 by Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls. Following a settlement agreement, Horner officially departed the team on 22 September 2025. The agreement reportedly allows Horner to potentially return to Formula 1 in 2026 if he finds a suitable opportunity. This raises the question: will we see Horner back in the paddock anytime soon, and if so, in what capacity?
So, what do you think? Has Drive to Survive had a net positive or negative impact on Formula 1? Has the increased fame and scrutiny changed the personalities and competitive landscape of the sport? Do you agree with Zak Brown's assessment of Christian Horner, or is he simply expressing a personal rivalry? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
