Red Bull and Horner hit with work culture jab: 'A lot of issues going on there'

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has again taken a swipe at Red Bull by suggesting staff members will seek to work for “brands they're proud of and bosses they want to work alongside”.

During the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Brown claimed there was an increase in CVs sent to McLaren from Red Bull employees following confirmation that Adrian Newey will leave the team.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff mirrored the American's comment before Red Bull team principal Christian Horner fired back at the Austrian over the staff his squad poached from the Brackley-based outfit.

Red Bull has faced a difficult start to the campaign despite its competitive on-track position, with Horner placed under investigation earlier this year by a female employee before the emergence of a power struggle between the Thai and Austrian owners.

While Brown commended Red Bull's strong start to the year after it took four wins from the first six races, the American highlighted the challenges it continues to face from its off-track distractions. 

“I think there are a lot of issues going on there,” Brown told Sky Sports News. “The least of the issues are probably on the track. 

“Max is unbelievable, it’s an unbelievable team. But with what’s happened at the start of the year, the constant noise and Adrian Newey leaving, I think there’s going to be more dominoes to fall. 

“A lot of these sport teams are about culture. I think they’ve got some issues to work through that can cause some lingering challenges, we’re starting to see that now.”

'People want to work for brands they’re proud of'

McLaren returned to the top step of the podium last time out in Miami with Lando Norris claiming his first grand prix win.

As the team continues to climb the pecking order, Norris has set his sights on a title fight against Red Bull in 2025 before a regulation shift the following season.

With uncertainty placed over Red Bull's future following Newey's departure, Brown has suggested it is only natural that other employees are also looking to exit.

“We’ve got an awesome team, there are always CVs flying around but we’ve noticed an unusual [and] higher level,” he said. 

“I think when you have someone like Adrian Newey leave, not only do you miss his pen, so to speak, on the design of the car, people want to work for brands they’re proud of and bosses they want to work alongside. 

“With everything going on there and Adrian leaving, I think there will be people inside there going ‘Is it time for me to move on?’”