Mekies on why Red Bull need Verstappen’s ‘magic’

Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's new Team Principal, granted his first exclusive interview, highlighting the critical task of retaining Max Verstappen. Taking the helm as only the second leader in Red Bull's 20-year history, Mekies, an engineer with 24 years of F1 experience, detailed his surprise call to succeed Christian Horner. His immediate priority involves connecting with the team, emphasizing that people are fundamental to success and praising Red Bull's "incredible racing spirit." Mekies affirmed Red Bull's sole objective: to consistently fight for wins and championships, recognizing that delivering a top-tier car is paramount to keeping Verstappen. He also expressed confidence in Yuki Tsunoda's potential, having worked with him previously. Mekies' reputation for galvanizing teams and fostering a positive culture will be crucial in this monumental challenge.