Good news for Verstappen: Mekies seen as the best successor for Horner

13:37, 23 Jul

byLudo van Denderen

After more than twenty years at the helm of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner had a wealth of experience. His successor Laurent Mekies does not have that as a team boss, but the Austrian team of Max Verstappen is in good hands - at least that's what the new team boss of Racing Bulls thinks.

Mekies comes from the second Red Bull team, where he was team boss. His place has been taken by Alan Permane, the Brit who believes that Red Bull has absolutely made the right choice to appoint Mekies.

"I think they're getting a great guy, honestly," Permane told Autosport.com. "He's a people person. He's a racer. He knows racing, but he's exceptionally good with people."

"I've worked with a lot of team principals in my 36 years in Formula 1, and he's right up there with the best of them."

Alan Permane and Laurent Mekies

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Good cooperation between Mekies and Permane expected

Mekies worked closely with then technical director Permane at Racing Bulls, which the latter sees as an advantage.

"The synergy works well, and we will continue that synergy programme within what the regulations allow," Permane explains. He is referring, among other things, to the exchange of parts and the new Red Bull Powertrains.

Both top executives will be in Milton Keynes at times - where Racing Bulls also has a branch. In addition, Permane will regularly stay in Faenza, where Racing Bulls has the factory. "I don't see any issues there at all."