Red Bull CEO and Team Principal, Laurent Mekies isn’t “underestimating the challenge ahead,” as he takes over from Christian Horner.
Following a difficult season which left Red Bull sat fourth in the constructor standings after 12 rounds and reigning four-time champion, Max Verstappen 69 points off championship leader – Oscar Piastri, the team opted to sack Horner yesterday (9 July) and promoted Mekies from Racing Bulls to replace the 51-year-old.
Mekies however in his first official interview as Red Bull CEO and Team Principal explained that he currently is looking at the team from an outsider perspective, as he praised the team for their abilities to deliver success over the years.
He however vowed to ensure that every team member has the equipment needed to perform at their peak potential as Red Bull look to turn their campaign around.
“I look at this Team as most outside look at them, we see the very best people in the world at what they do. That’s what this Team is, even from being a competitor previously you look at Red Bull Racing as being the sharpest team, having managed to accumulate the best talent to work together.
“It is a privilege to join the Team and the focus will be on making sure all the talented people here have what they need to perform at their best, because they are already the very best. We will be focussing on that and making sure the Red Bull energy is flowing through the Team.”
2026 however sees the introduction of new F1 regulations with the team acquiring Ford as a strategic partner as they prepare to assume full responsibility of their own powertrains, with Honda ending their support at the end of the current season.
Those facts are not lost on Mekies who also faces the task of reviving Verstappen’s title challenge despite rumours that the Dutchman is already planning to leave for Mercedes at the end of the campaign, as he vowed to not underestimate the challenge that lies ahead.
“We are not underestimating the challenge ahead, we will need everybody and we will go about it together and I am sure with everyone’s contributions we will tackle this challenge.”