Helmut Marko has highlighted Laurent Mekies' engineering talent as the key factor distinguishing him in his new leadership role at Red Bull Racing. Mekies took over as CEO and team principal after Christian Horner's unexpected departure.
Why it matters
Christian Horner, who led Red Bull since its F1 debut in 2005, was dismissed after the British Grand Prix, following a performance downturn. Mekies' appointment marks a significant shift in leadership, with his technical background seen as a crucial asset for the team's future direction.
The big picture
Mekies joined Red Bull Racing from Racing Bulls, where he served as team principal. His F1 career includes stints with Arrows, Toro Rosso, and Ferrari. Red Bull special advisor Helmut Marko has expressed satisfaction with Mekies' initial performance.
Marko noted in an interview with the F1 Insider podcast that Mekies "made a very good debut and made intensive use of his time." He emphasized Mekies' dedication, stating he was active in Milton Keynes for over 14 hours daily, engaging with key figures.
However, Marko stressed that Mekies' defining trait isn't just his work ethic, but his deep technical expertise. "What sets him apart or makes him different is that he is an excellent engineer, and the discussions focus more on technology, which was also our goal with this position," Marko revealed.
What's next
Mekies' tenure has seen mixed results so far, with Yuki Tsunoda noting a positive impact and Max Verstappen securing a sprint race victory in Belgium, though Hungary was challenging. His true impact will be observed in how he guides the development of Red Bull's 2026 car and beyond, leveraging his engineering focus to shape the team's long-term competitive strategy.