Helmut Marko Praises Laurent Mekies for "Significant" Red Bull Improvements

Helmut Marko, Red Bull motorsport adviser, has commended Laurent Mekies for his substantial impact on the team, particularly noting a "significant" improvement in communication and strategy. Mekies, who took over as Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal on July 9, previously led the Racing Bulls team. Since his arrival, he has implemented changes to Friday practice strategies and pushed for upgrades to Yuki Tsunoda's car, bringing it closer to Max Verstappen's.

Why it matters

Mekies' swift implementation of changes has already yielded tangible results. Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Italian Grand Prix, and Yuki Tsunoda achieved a strong P10 in qualifying, set to start P9 due to a grid penalty. This signals a positive trajectory for Red Bull's performance.

The details

• Strategic Shift: Mekies has introduced a new approach to Friday practice sessions. "We’re trying things out and already pushing closer to the limit during practice," Marko explained to Sky Germany. "That allows us to find the car’s maximum earlier and ensures we’re not as far off in set-up direction compared to the past."
• Enhanced Communication: Marko highlighted a significant improvement in technical communication within the team since Mekies' arrival. This has positively impacted overall team dynamics and driver performance.
• Tsunoda's Progress: Upgrades to Yuki Tsunoda's car, pushed by Mekies, have brought it closer to Verstappen's specification. Marko noted Tsunoda's Q3 appearance as a clear sign of this upward trend.
• Monza Performance: Red Bull experienced their "best Friday in a long time," optimizing the new floor and tuning the car for both qualifying and race pace. Verstappen's pole was achieved with a balanced low-downforce setup.

What's next

The positive changes under Mekies suggest a continued strong performance trajectory for Red Bull Racing, with improved strategic execution and driver-car synergy. The team aims to build on these early successes throughout the season.