Formula 1 analyst Ted Kravitz has suggested that Max Verstappen’s new Red Bull team principal will need to adopt a fiercely competitive and ruthless approach to succeed in the demanding role left by Christian Horner. The challenge for Laurent Mekies, who took over as Red Bull’s team boss shortly after the British Grand Prix, lies in navigating the intense pressures and politics of Formula 1 leadership while supporting Verstappen’s championship ambitions.
Laurent Mekies is known as a calm and measured figure, markedly less outspoken than Horner, who was a prominent and often controversial presence in the paddock. Despite Mekies’s composed demeanor, Kravitz pointed out that to thrive among rival team principals, the French motorsport executive must toughen his style substantially.
On Sky Sports F1, responding to former driver Anthony Davidson’s observation that Red Bull will feel the absence of Horner both on track and behind the scenes, Kravitz emphasized the need for Mekies to be more aggressive in his behind-the-scenes dealings with other teams and F1 officials.
“Piranha school, that’s what Mekies needs. He’s now a member of the piranha club, the club of F1 team principals and he has to learn to be more of a piranha. Or a pirate more than a peacemaker is the other saying,” Kravitz said. —Ted Kravitz, Formula 1 Expert
Meanwhile, Mekies is cautiously settling into his new position, beginning to establish relationships with his counterparts. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, he revealed having talks with McLaren CEO Zak Brown, hinting at his intent to build strong communications across the paddock.
Verstappen’s Perspective on Mekies’s Leadership
Max Verstappen addressed Laurent Mekies’s appointment during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, expressing optimism about working under the new team principal. As the driver prepares to continue his campaign with Red Bull, Verstappen shared insights from their early collaboration.
Before the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen spent time at the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes, working closely with the team and Mekies. Speaking to the official F1 website, he said he looked forward to the partnership developing further.
“I was back at the factory last week to spend some time in the sim with the team,” said Max Verstappen. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Laurent.” —Max Verstappen, Red Bull Driver
Verstappen’s initial period under Mekies included a strong performance in the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint race, where he won. However, his momentum faltered during the main race, as he did not finish on the podium. The following event at the Hungarian Grand Prix further highlighted challenges, with Verstappen recording his worst finish of the season in 10th place at the Hungaroring.
The Challenge Ahead for Red Bull’s Leadership
The departure of Christian Horner, who had led Red Bull with a bold and vocal style, leaves Mekies the task of maintaining the team’s competitive edge both on and off track. As Red Bull aims to support Verstappen’s quest for further titles, Mekies must adapt quickly to the high-stakes environment, balancing diplomacy with the aggressive strategies required to stay ahead of rivals.
Given Kravitz’s comparison of the job to joining a “piranha club,” it is clear that Mekies faces pressure not only to manage the technical and operational aspects of the team but also to navigate the intense political landscape of Formula 1. His success in doing so will likely determine the trajectory of Verstappen’s championship hopes and Red Bull’s standing within the sport.
