Laurent Mekies reflects on his first days at the helm of Red Bull Racing
Highly-anticipated at a press conference in Spa, the French manager talked about the moment he learned that he would be replacing Christian Horner, and about his first impressions at the helm of the Austrian team.
France does not have a Grand Prix but it has leaders. With Frédéric Vasseur already at the helm of Scuderia Ferrari for two and a half years, the country now has two of its representatives managing a top team in Formula 1. Succeeding Christian Horner at Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies reflected on his first days in his new role.
My first impression when I entered the Red Bull Racing building in Milton Keynes was seeing the well-stocked trophy cabinet in the entrance. It’s very impressive. All of this is thanks to the incredible work done by all the team members over the years. It is an immense pride for me to now be at the helm of this prestigious team.
At the moment he heard the news, the native of Tours admits to having learned about it officially only a few hours before the official announcement.
« I found out that I was going to take the helm of Red Bull Racing just a few hours before the official announcement. I didn’t have much time to think about it. The first thing I told myself was: “This is Red Bull. It’s an honor, a privilege.” During the first 24 hours, people needed time to digest the news. Then, everyone went back to work to move forward. I was immediately supported by the entire team when I took up the position. »
Asked afterward about Christian Horner, Mekies paid tribute to his predecessor.
« Christian was among the people who called me to return to the Red Bull family two years ago to lead Racing Bulls. I had mixed feelings when I was offered to replace him. No one will replace Christian. He had his way of managing, and I have mine. Everyone appreciates the energy at Red Bull. We all want to improve. The team’s culture will not change; it is the one that has already led the team to win. »
Now heading a team that can win races on a regular basis, the Frenchman knows his objectives will evolve during race weekends.
« It is fair to say that the rules of the game change when you take the lead of a team that plays for victories. Everything is worked out in the smallest detail here with winning as the only goal. Will the objectives be different from yesterday? No. It’s always about seeking success. »
Finally, Mekies naturally discussed the future of his star driver, Max Verstappen.
« Max wants a fast car. So we have to try to be faster than the others to convince him to stay with us. »
What has the merit of being clear. A fast car will make one of the drivers remain among the fastest on the grid. QED.
