Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has expressed strong support for Laurent Mekies, the recently appointed CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing, ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Mekies took over the leadership position on July 9, replacing Christian Horner, marking a significant change in the team’s management structure as they prepare for the rest of the 2024 season.

Mekies’s first weekend with Red Bull Racing was at the Belgian Grand Prix, where Verstappen secured a victory in the sprint race, providing an early success for the new team chief. Although this win cannot yet be fully attributed to Mekies’s influence, Verstappen welcomed the fresh leadership and the potential benefits it could bring over time.

Verstappen highlights Mekies’s energy and engagement with the team

During an interview with Motorsport.com in Hungary, Verstappen acknowledged the possibility of a positive reset following the change in team management.

“Yeah, absolutely. That’s always the case,”

he said when asked about the impact of the leadership switch.

He further praised Mekies’s approach to his new role, describing him as “very motivated” and proactive.

“Of course, it’s still very early days, but I do like how Laurent is working, very motivated, constantly asking the right questions to me, but also to the team.”

Verstappen added that although it is difficult to measure any immediate advantages this year, he is optimistic about the changes taking effect over the next one or two seasons.

“Hopefully, of course, this year it’s very difficult to see any kind of benefit from that, but I hope in the coming year, two years, that we can really see his touch to the team. I’m very excited for that.”

Yuki Tsunoda notices Mekies’s supportive presence at the track

Verstappen’s teammate Yuki Tsunoda also commented on Mekies’s influence, reflecting on their previous experience working together at Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls. Tsunoda described race week as hectic but noted Mekies’s consistent engagement.

“Well, to be honest, recalling race week, everything was super quick, super busy. So it’s hard to say,”

Tsunoda said when asked if Mekies’s presence was noticeably different from Horner’s.

He observed that Mekies brings a more relaxed atmosphere and added:

“What I felt different was it’s more like kind of flashback when I was in the VCARB. Like every session after he always comes to myself and asks about feedback, how the car felt, how I was in the session compared to other competitors, where I was lacking most in terms of corners, everything.”

Tsunoda highlighted Mekies’s attention to detail and encouragement during qualifying, recalling how Mekies provided positive reinforcement from the pit wall.

“So those kind of conversations I had definitely more than… I have more now with Laurent and especially like kind of little touch… in qualifying, for example, going through Q3 and in VCARB when I was going through Q3, he always gives me a bit of smiles from [the] pitwall and that kind of thing. I had exactly the same. When I went to Q3, he gave me a nice smile from pitwall, those kind of extra confidence or extra kind of comfort that he gives from his generally nice aura and treatment is there.”

Leadership transition aims to strengthen Red Bull Racing’s future prospects

Laurent Mekies’s elevation to CEO and team principal reflects Red Bull Racing’s intent to evolve its management while maintaining competitive excellence in Formula 1. As Mekies settles into his new role at the Milton Keynes base, his focus on detailed communication and team motivation could reinforce the squad’s cohesion and performance.

With Verstappen and Tsunoda providing positive feedback on Mekies’s leadership style, the Red Bull camp appears hopeful that these changes will help navigate the remaining races of the season and fortify the team‘s standing in the championship. The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend presents an important milestone where Mekies can further demonstrate his impact on strategy and race operations.

Moving forward, Red Bull Racing fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Mekies’s approach influences the team’s dynamic and results, as Verstappen’s optimism suggests promising developments for the future.