Laurent Mekies has now been at the helm of Red Bull for several months. Last July, he made the move to the Austrian racing team after a successful period at sister team Racing Bulls. There, the Frenchman had the chance to work closely with star driver Max Verstappen. Recently, Mekies explained what sets Verstappen apart. For instance, the Dutchman has the qualities to one day become a brilliant team principal.
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Mekies was a guest on the Beyond the Grid podcast, where he gave an insight into Verstappen’s psyche. He emphasized how dedicated the Dutchman is and how great his passion for racing is. “What surprised me most was the deep connection between Max (Verstappen, ed.) and motorsport,” the team principal said. “He is not just an F1 driver; he is involved with the sport day and night.” As a result, the four-time champion can also delve into the technology and the inner workings of the team, Mekies explained. “He knows exactly how an F1 car and an F1 team work.”
That knowledge is of great value to Red Bull, especially now that new regulations have been introduced. “It is a huge advantage to have someone who can contribute to the development of the car, especially in this new era,” said Mekies. “He can explain in great detail what is important and where the team can still make gains.”
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Team Principal Verstappen?
The Frenchman gave an example of how Verstappen motivates the entire team, even off the track. “During a debrief, he knows that he is not just addressing the engineers in the room, but also all the staff in Milton Keynes. He effortlessly gets everyone on board and ensures that everyone gives that little bit extra.” Those qualities extend beyond just being a driver, Mekies concluded. “I am sure he could become a brilliant team principal. There are so many roles within motorsport that he could fulfill excellently.”
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