‘Red Bull takes firm action, Mekies implements major changes’

18:33, 16 Jul
Updated: 19:01, 16 Jul
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With the arrival of Laurent Mekies as team principal, Red Bull Racing aims not only to put sporting matters in order, but also to make a turnaround behind the scenes. According to an Italian media outlet, work is being done on a renewed approach, in which the factory in Milton Keynes plays a key role.

‘Mekies implements significant change at Red Bull’

According to the Italian site Funoanalisitecnica.com, Mekies plans to structurally adjust the simulation work and the preparation for race weekends. Instead of still searching for the right balance on Friday, the new team principal wants Red Bull to hit the track with a solid base setup during the first free practice session.

Max Verstapen driving the RB21 at Silverstone

This new strategy aims to prevent the team from having to make extensive corrections over three sessions to find the right setup. In practice, this adds increased pressure on the team, and Red Bull hopes this change of direction will give them more control over the weekend's preparation and execution.

Particularly, steps are being taken in the simulation program which, according to Mekies, could be better utilized. In the run-up to the Belgian Grand Prix – a race that traditionally suits Max Verstappen well – improvements on these points are said to have been worked on intensively internally.

At Spa-Francorchamps, Red Bull Racing will start the Belgian Grand Prix with updates, as GPblog previously reported. New parts are also coming for the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. After this, the focus will almost entirely shift to 2026, when the new engine regulations come into effect.

Red Bull does not neglect sim work

If what this Italian outlet reports is accurate, some nuance is in order. It’s certainly not the case that Red Bull previously neglected simulator work – in fact, it’s well known that a great deal of time is spent on it.

Earlier in July, Verstappen even flew to Milton Keynes for simulator duties, a session that had been scheduled before Christian Horner’s dismissal – and therefore also before Mekies took over.