Mekies Keeps Focus as Verstappen Closes the Gap in Championship

Since stepping into the top job, Laurent Mekies has brought calm leadership to Red Bull as Verstappen hunts down the championship lead. (Photo: Sam Bloxham/LAT Images)

Laurent Mekies’ appointment at Red Bull was seen as a gamble when he replaced Christian Horner earlier this year, but so far, it has paid off. Since taking over in July, the Frenchman has guided Max Verstappen to two victories and four consecutive podium finishes, cutting his deficit to Oscar Piastri from 104 points to 63.

Yet Mekies refuses to take credit. Speaking after the last race weekend, he said the improvement is the result of teamwork, not leadership. “The progress comes from everyone analysing where the car was weak and working to fix it,” he said.

It is an attitude that fits Red Bull’s new phase. After months of uncertainty, the team is finding stability again. Verstappen has publicly praised Mekies’ calm approach, and the engineering staff have spoken of a renewed sense of unity and purpose.

The challenge now is to maintain it. A midseason turnaround can unravel quickly if expectations outgrow results, but for now, Red Bull looks stronger than at any point this year. If Verstappen continues this run, the championship could yet be alive until the very end.