The newly appointed director of the Red Bull team, Laurent Mekies, has received praise for his leadership skills and professionalism from drivers who have worked with him in the past. Mekies was announced as Christian Horner’s replacement two weeks ago, following the unexpected news of his departure from Red Bull. The 48-year-old Frenchman previously held the position of team director of Racing Bulls, and was replaced by engineer Alan Permane in Red Bull’s junior team. Before his most recent stint with Racing Bulls, Mekies was deputy team principal at Ferrari, where he worked closely with Carlos Sainz, who now races for Williams.
Liam Lawson, who currently races for Racing Bulls, also praised Mekies.I think he’s an extremely good professional. In my time at Ferrari, when he was there, I found someone who worked incredibly hard. He understood the driver very well. He had a special connection and a special communication with the drivers, which I think makes things, at least for the driver, very comfortable and open. I think that from his time at the FIA, through his time at Ferrari, now at VCARB and now arriving at Red Bull, he has a lot of experience to lead one of the biggest teams in Formula 1. Honestly, I think he is the perfect person for that team. Congratulations. He probably deserves that promotion. I think he’s going to enjoy it.
Carlos Sainz
Tsunoda, who has struggled with performance alongside Max Verstappen since replacing Lawson at Red Bull, also welcomed Mekies’ appointment.I think something Laurent has been very, very good at is leading the team. And having everyone around him. And, I guess, 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. He’s always here on Thursdays [before a grand prix weekend]. I think every race weekend he’s here on Thursdays. Probably one of the first to arrive normally. And, I guess, to show everyone in the team that that’s very important.
Liam Lawson
He just joined mid-season and has only had two weeks, so I don’t think it will really change anything yet. He’ll probably watch the next races and see what he can do. But, yes, at least we know we have a good relationship. I can chat with him. I don’t have to really adapt to the relationship or create a relationship, which is good. And, yes, I just arrived at the paddock with him, you know, and had a normal conversation. So, yes, it feels like going back to VCARB, but it’s not. It’s a different shirt, but it’s great.
Yuki Tsunoda
