Max Verstappen has expressed his enthusiasm for working with Laurent Mekies, who has been appointed as the new Team Principal of Red Bull Racing following Christian Horner’s departure. The transition marks a significant leadership shift, with Mekies stepping in just ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. Verstappen welcomed the change positively, saying he had already been at the factory working with the team and is eager to collaborate with Mekies as they move forward into a new chapter.
Mekies joins Red Bull after leaving Racing Bulls, where he had served as Team Principal. His move comes alongside another reshuffle: Alan Permane now heads Racing Bulls. Verstappen, preparing for the upcoming race at Spa-Francorchamps—one of his home tracks due to his Belgian heritage—shared his excitement about racing at a circuit he considers his favorite. He highlighted the track’s classic layout, demanding nature, and thrilling corners like Eau Rouge, which continue to challenge even the most experienced drivers.
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen’s teammate, also welcomed Mekies’ arrival, having previously worked under him at Racing Bulls. Tsunoda acknowledged that he needs to raise his performance levels, having scored only seven points since joining Red Bull, compared to Verstappen’s 129. The Japanese driver emphasized the importance of syncing with Mekies again and delivering the results expected from him—especially with the added complexity of the Sprint format returning at Spa.
Tsunoda used the break before the Belgian Grand Prix to intensify his physical and mental training, aiming to come back in peak form. He noted that Spa could be a track that suits Red Bull’s strengths, and he’s hoping their off-week preparation pays off. With two races remaining before the summer break, Tsunoda is determined to prove his value and contribute more significantly to the team’s progress.
Despite the leadership changes and ongoing adjustments, Red Bull faces a considerable challenge in the Constructors’ Championship. The team currently sits fourth, trailing far behind McLaren by 288 points. Mekies’ immediate task will be to stabilize the team and begin closing the gap to top rivals like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes as Red Bull enters this new phase of competition.
About the Author
