Former Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg has issued a strong warning to Red Bull Racing, stressing that newly appointed CEO and team principal Laurent Mekies must quickly establish authority to prevent a potential talent drain. According to Rosberg, Mekies’ top priority should be securing the team’s key personnel to stop them from leaving for rival teams. His comments come after Mekies officially took over the leadership role on July 9, 2025, following Christian Horner’s surprise exit after two decades at the helm.
Horner’s departure, though not officially clarified, is widely believed to be linked to the team’s recent dip in performance and the exit of high-profile figures such as legendary designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley. Rosberg noted that Red Bull’s swift decision to appoint Mekies was essential, calling it a bold but necessary move as the team now enters a critical rebuilding phase.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Rosberg emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Laurent must solidify his position quickly,” he explained. “Keeping the core team members from leaving is his immediate challenge, followed by the task of rebuilding and possibly promoting fresh talent from within.” The German believes that retaining experienced personnel while nurturing young talent will be vital for Red Bull to remain among Formula 1’s top contenders.
Adding to Rosberg’s analysis, Sky Sports presenter Naomi Schiff argued that Red Bull also needs to work on repairing its public image. She reminded fans that the team initially entered F1 as a fun and dynamic outfit but has recently struggled with internal stability. Schiff highlighted that Formula 1 remains Red Bull’s largest marketing platform, making its reputation just as important as its on-track success.
Schiff further pointed out that while Max Verstappen continues to deliver standout performances, the team as a whole has taken a step back, with other drivers like Sergio Perez, Yuki Tsunoda, and Liam Lawson finding it difficult to perform consistently. She concluded that the team must not only improve competitiveness but also become a place where top talents want to work and fans genuinely want to support, ensuring its long-term success in the sport.
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