The new Red Bull team director, Laurent Mekies, has been described as “the perfect fit” and a good leader by drivers who have worked with him in the past. Mekies was announced as Christian Horner’s replacement two weeks ago, following the surprising news that the British team principal and CEO had been dismissed by Red Bull. The 48-year-old Frenchman was previously the director of the Racing Bulls team, and in turn has been replaced by chief engineer Alan Permane in Red Bull’s junior team. Before his most recent stint with Racing Bulls, Mekies was the deputy team principal at Ferrari, where he worked closely with Carlos Sainz, who now races for Williams.
Sainz went on to say that Mekies had a “special feeling” and a “special communication” with the drivers, which, in his opinion, makes things more comfortable and open for them. Sainz believes that Mekies has the necessary experience to lead one of the biggest teams in Formula 1 and that he is “the perfect fit” for Red Bull. Liam Lawson, who currently races for Racing Bulls, also spoke very well of Mekies.I think he’s an extremely good professional. In my time at Ferrari, when he was there, I found someone who was incredibly hardworking. He understood the driver very well.
Carlos Sainz
Lawson highlighted that Mekies was always present on Thursdays before Grand Prix weekends, demonstrating his commitment to the team. Yuki Tsunoda, who has struggled to get results alongside Max Verstappen since replacing Lawson at Red Bull, also welcomed Mekies’ appointment, but said it was too early to know if it would change his situation.I think something that Laurent has been very, very good at is leading the team. And having everyone around him. And, I suppose, having the motivation very high and the work ethic very high in the team. He was very, very good at that, he worked very, very hard.
Liam Lawson
Tsunoda added that he already had a good relationship with Mekies, which will facilitate the transition.He joined mid-season and has only been here for two weeks, so I don’t think he’s really going to change anything yet. He’ll probably watch the next races and see what he can do. But, at least, we know we have a good relationship. I can chat with him.
Yuki Tsunoda
