Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen says that he “looking forward” to working with Red Bull Racing’s newly appointed team principal, Laurent Mekies, ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.
Mekies steps into the role following the departure of Christian Horner, who was abruptly dismissed from the team on July 9 after two decades at the helm.
The Frenchman, who previously led Racing Bulls, now takes over the leadership at the Milton Keynes’ based squad, a move that has prompted a reshuffle within the Red Bull racing family, with veteran engineer Alan Permane taking charge of Racing Bulls in Mekies’ place.
A New Chapter Begins
Verstappen, who heads into the Belgian round sitting third in the Drivers’ standings, made clear he is eager to begin this new chapter under Mekies’ stewardship.
“I was back at the factory last week to spend some time in the sim with the team,” said Verstappen. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Laurent."
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The Dutchman, whose mother is Belgian, considers Spa-Francorchamps one of his home races and has always shown strong form at the historic venue.
“Spa is a classic and always my favourite track on the calendar, a very old school circuit where you have to do everything right to get a good lap,” he said.
“I enjoy the high-speed corners such as Eau Rouge, the layout which is different to other circuits and elevation changes that make the track more of a challenge to drive.”
Tsunoda Reunites with Mekies, Eyes Performance Boost
For Tsunoda, the weekend marks a reunion with Mekies, under whom he previously raced at Racing Bulls before earning his promotion to the senior Red Bull outfit ahead of last April’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Despite a challenging start – with only seven points scored so far – Tsunoda is aiming to raise his performance levels under familiar leadership.
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“We are coming into this race in a new era for the team and it will be good to link up again with Laurent,” said Tsunoda.
“We worked really well together at… Racing Bulls. I know how he likes to work and our full focus is on pushing forward and for me personally to start delivering the performance we need.
“Spa is a fun circuit and one that could suit us well. The Sprint always makes things tricky but the work and preparation we have done in this off time should set us up nicely.
"I have spent the time off racing mixed between training very hard and using the break to mentally reset. I wanted to be the best prepared I could be coming into Spa and in better condition, mentally and physically. So I am feeling strong and sharp and looking forward to these next two races before summer break.”
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Mekies now faces the immediate challenge of improving Red Bull’s position in the Constructors’ standings. The team currently sits fourth, trailing leaders McLaren by a whopping 288 points, with Ferrari and Mercedes also ahead.
As the bulls enter this new phase under fresh leadership, Verstappen and Tsunoda will be under the spotlight to spark a resurgence – starting this weekend at one of F1’s most demanding and iconic circuits.
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