Mekies Vows Red Bull Will Maintain Aggressive F1 Approach

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has declared the team will continue to push Formula 1's regulations "to the limit and sometimes beyond," signaling a commitment to the aggressive philosophy that defined the Christian Horner era. Mekies, who took over in July 2025, oversaw a dramatic mid-season turnaround that nearly propelled Max Verstappen to an improbable fifth title.

Why it matters:

Mekies' statement directly addresses paddock speculation about a potential cultural shift at Red Bull following Horner's long tenure. By affirming the team's combative ethos, he aims to maintain its competitive edge while navigating a new leadership dynamic and the impending 2026 regulation changes. The team's late-2025 performance surge provides crucial momentum for this transition.

The details:

• Mekies dismissed the notion that Red Bull would soften its approach, stating the team believes it can compete at the absolute limit while respecting sporting fairness and competitors.
• The 2025 season saw a sensational turnaround under his watch. After winning only two of the first 12 races, Max Verstappen finished on the podium in all 10 post-summer break races, winning six.
• Verstappen credited Mekies' technical background and fresh perspective for contributing to the improved performance, alongside planned car upgrades introduced at the Italian Grand Prix.
• Mekies emphasized that the comeback has instilled confidence in the team's tools, methodologies, and approach as they head into the winter and prepare for new regulations.

What's next:

The core challenge for Mekies is translating this late-season form and confident mindset into the 2026 season, which features major new chassis and power unit regulations. He acknowledges that while some current methodologies will carry over, others will become less relevant, requiring the team to adapt aggressively once again. The true test of his leadership and the team's philosophy will be its ability to build a title-contending car under an entirely new set of rules.