Mekies Begins Tenure as Red Bull Team Principal
In a dynamic and spirited press conference on Friday, Laurent Mekies officially took the reins as Red Bull Racing’s team principal, succeeding Christian Horner. Mekies, who has recently transitioned from his role at Scuderia Ferrari, appeared enthusiastic and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
The FIA’s press conference initially featured Williams’ James Vowles, Sauber’s Jonathan Wheatley, and Haas’ Ayao Komatsu, but Mekies captivated the audience with his insights and dedication to Red Bull’s racing culture. “All I’ve been seeing in these two weeks is extraordinary talents and incredible racing spirit,” Mekies said, emphasizing the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Mekies acknowledged that stepping into this role was unexpected. “It came out of the blue… I asked them to think about it for a few hours. It’s difficult to digest,” he revealed, noting the weight of leading a team synonymous with high performance.
In his inaugural address, Mekies highlighted the urgent need to support Red Bull’s engineering talent. “We will ensure that every individual has the means to express their best,” he stated, alluding to the team’s recent performance slump, as they find themselves fourth in the constructors’ championship.
Addressing media inquiries, Mekies reiterated the significance of enhancing car performance, which is crucial in retaining top driver Max Verstappen. “If we get him a fast car, it cancels out all the other considerations," he affirmed, highlighting the pressing priority of competitiveness.
The new principal also acknowledged his predecessor, stating that Horner was the first to reach out following the announcement of his appointment. Mekies expressed appreciation for the support from the team, aiming to carry forward the legacy Horner established while cultivating a culture of empowerment.
As Mekies embarks on his leadership journey, he aims to focus on internal strength and improvements while navigating the external pressures inherent in Formula 1. His clear objective: streamline operations to ensure Red Bull remains a formidable contender in the championship.
