Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has praised Red Bull Racing’s decision to part ways with long-time team principal Christian Horner and replace him with Laurent Mekies, claiming the change has revitalized the team’s “mood” and atmosphere.
Schumacher also believes that the leadership changes will turn out to be a “feel good” story for Max Verstappen who has found himself at the center of exit speculation throughout the season.
Though Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed he had held talks with the reigning World Champion, Verstappen has remained publicly non-committal – until now, as things begin to settle at Red Bull.
“I think Red Bull made an extremely good move. In this case, Oliver Mintzlaff and [Mark] Mateschitz by now putting Mekies in this position,” Schumacher stated, speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.
“That did something for the team. Within a short period of time, one hears that the mood is completely different, the approach is different, and one must not forget that Max Verstappen has never been in a different team in his career.”
Newly appointed Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies.
“He has everything to thank Red Bull for. So, he’s not making it easy for himself, and maybe he doesn’t even really want to leave. I can imagine, if everything is fine here, why should he leave? I don’t think that’s quite what he wanted.”
A Feel-Good Factor That Could Keep Verstappen Home
Red Bull’s struggles with the RB21 and visible internal tension earlier in the season appeared to signal instability at a critical time for the team.
But Schumacher believes Mekies' arrival has done more than restore order – it’s brought back a sense of unity and belief within the bulls’ garage.
“It just led to the car not working as well as it should. There were internal problems with politics, and suddenly the mood wasn’t so good,” Schumacher observed.
“So, from that point of view, I think it’s actually very, very open again. Such a development can happen quickly, and this feel-good factor for a driver is important. And this team is completely behind him.”
By aligning the team behind Verstappen and promoting stability through Mekies, Red Bull may have made the most critical move of its season – not on track, but off it.
With Mercedes now pivoting its focus to George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the future, Verstappen appears less likely than ever to switch teams.
And if Schumacher’s insights are correct, the decision to hand control to Mekies could be the catalyst that ensures Red Bull remains Verstappen’s long-term home.
“This team is completely behind him,” Schumacher emphasized – pointing to a newly unified Red Bull team ready to refocus its efforts and reinvigorate its pursuit of continued dominance.
Read also:
Verstappen: Horner exit ‘doesn’t really matter’ for F1 future
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