Horner and Brown endure uncomfortable moment over awkward question

It was as uncomfortable as it gets for F1 rivals Zak Brown and Christian Horner.

There has never been any love lost between the duo, resulting in tense exchanges between them in the past.

Fireworks were expected in China, with the FIA requesting the presence of Brown and Horner for the team principals' press conference. McLaren CEO Brown and Red Bull boss Horner were joined by Alpine's Ollie Oakes.

The anticipated drama did not quite materialise but there was at least an awkward question that made for an initially uncomfortable moment between them.

It was noted they 'run very successful teams', and they are 'both very ambitious individuals'. So the inquisitor enquired as to "the quality that each of you most admires about the other".

Cue eyebrows raised, and a few chuckles from the audience. Even Oakes said it was "a good question".

Following a lengthy pause, Brown piped up, although ducked any direct reference to Horner specifically, instead focusing on Red Bull's achievements.

"I'll go first," he said. "I mean the results that Red Bull have put up - what has it been now 20 years? - are pretty, pretty awesome, right? And we're in the results-oriented business. They've won a lot of races, a lot of championships. Pretty, pretty awesome."

Horner also ducked a direct response, although he used the word "respect" on four occasions.

"I think there always has to be respect," said Horner. "You have to respect competitors' performances. I think that McLaren turned their season around last year. They did a very good job. They've built on that.

"And they look like the car to beat this year. So, credit where credit is due."

He added: "Everybody is different. Everybody operates in different ways. Every team has a different style of management, style of going racing.

"And that's part of the appeal and attraction of Formula 1, and you get fans that follow their teams, their drivers, accordingly.

"But it's always important to have respect where respect is due."