Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has stated the team is relentlessly pursuing internal progress across all aspects in its bid to return to the forefront of Formula 1. This season, Red Bull has found itself outpaced by McLaren, with Mercedes and Ferrari also closing the gap on the current Constructors' Championship leaders.
Why it Matters
While Red Bull currently leads the Constructors' Championship, the increasing pace of rivals like McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari indicates a potential shift in the pecking order. Mekies' declaration of an 'internal war' underscores the team's commitment to maintaining its position and highlights the critical importance of self-improvement for future success, particularly with the looming 2026 regulation changes.
The Big Picture
Mekies, who took over as team principal in July, expressed profound admiration for the talent and racing spirit within Red Bull. He noted the team is operating with intense dedication:
- Unwavering Dedication: Mekies observed an "extraordinary talent" and an "incredible racing spirit" throughout the organization, with no department showing signs of complacency.
- 'War in a Good Sense': He described the team as "at war, in the good sense of the word," emphasizing that every single aspect is being pushed to its limits.
- Empowering the Team: The primary objective is to ensure that all team members have the necessary support and resources to express their talents fully, aiming to reduce external distractions and focus purely on racing.
What's Next
Red Bull faces a dual challenge in 2026: adapting to sweeping new Formula 1 regulations and producing its own factory power units in collaboration with Ford. Mekies believes these changes will define the team's next chapter:
- New Era: The 2026 regulation changes and the ambitious decision to develop their own power unit with Ford will inevitably usher in a new era for Red Bull.
- Rule Changes as Determinant: Mekies suggests that the scale of the regulatory overhaul will significantly dictate whether Red Bull can achieve another period of dominance, similar to its previous successful eras.
- Level Playing Field: The significant rule changes mean that all teams will essentially be starting afresh, presenting both opportunities and challenges.