Mekies: Red Bull Surprised by Unexpected Breakthrough – RaceFans
Red Bull Racing has recently experienced a surprising transformation in their car performance, according to team principal Laurent Mekies. Since he took charge after the British Grand Prix in July, the team has made unexpected strides in their competitiveness.
Mekies’ Leadership and Team Transformation
Mekies’s tenure began with a challenging race at the Hungaroring, where driver Max Verstappen finished ninth. However, in the six races since then, he has celebrated four victories, including one in a sprint event, and secured two second-place finishes. This impressive performance has reinstated Verstappen as a strong contender in the drivers’ championship.
Surprising Breakthrough
The unexpected improvement in Red Bull’s performance has caught the team off guard. Mekies admitted that the shift in form was unanticipated by both him and the team. He remarked, “It’s been something nobody was expecting,” highlighting the difficulty of adapting to these changes.
Appreciation for the Engineering Team
Credit for the recent successes is primarily attributed to Red Bull’s engineering team, which is led by technical director Pierre Wache. Mekies emphasized the dedication and resilience of the team based in Milton Keynes. Their commitment to overcoming the limitations of the RB21 has proven fruitful after extensive effort.
- Max Verstappen achieved:
- 4 wins
- 2 second-place finishes
- 1 win in a sprint race
- Mekies took over leadership in July 2023.
- First major race as team principal: British Grand Prix.
Mekies acknowledged the importance of teamwork and continuous improvement. He conveyed gratitude for the warm reception and support he has received during his transition into the role. Observing the dynamics and flows of the team has helped him acclimate quickly.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Mekies aims for further advancements while balancing the preparation for upcoming seasons in 2025 and 2026. The positive response of the car has been encouraging, providing the drivers with a more competitive vehicle on the track.
As the season progresses, Red Bull Racing and its supporters are hopeful that this trajectory of improvement continues, making them a formidable presence in Formula 1.
