Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has shed light on the fundamental difference between leading a top-tier F1 squad like Red Bull and a midfield team.
Why it matters
Mekies, who took the helm of Red Bull Racing last month after Christian Horner's departure, previously managed the sister team, Racing Bulls, for 18 months. His dual experience highlights a critical distinction in F1's competitive landscape: at a top team, the sole measure of success is victory.
The big picture
According to Mekies, the expectation at Red Bull is unequivocally to win. Any result short of a victory is considered a disappointment, a stark contrast to the varied objectives of midfield teams.
- "A top team has a target to win and the biggest difference with the competition in the midfield is that, at every race weekend, you come back and there is only one answer: did you win or did you not?"
- This intense focus on winning permeates every aspect of the team, driving an unparalleled level of effort and pushing boundaries.
What's next
Despite Red Bull's recent struggles—marking their toughest period since 2020 and placing them outside serious championship contention—Mekies asserts the team's motivation remains undeterred. He emphasizes the collective drive within the factory to reclaim their dominant position.
- Mekies views the current challenges not as overwhelming but as a catalyst.
- He is confident that the immense talent, skill, and experience within Red Bull Racing will enable the team to make significant strides and fuel future successes, regardless of external pressures.