Max Verstappen is prepared to collaborate closely with Laurent Mekies following Christian Horner’s departure, as Red Bull introduces a new front wing at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa and more technical upgrades are planned.
The Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team is gearing up to close the first half of the 2025 season with significant technical developments, aiming to enhance the performance of their lead driver, Max Verstappen, and their RB21 car after the sudden exit of long-time team principal Christian Horner. Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix at the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, the Austrian team will debut a new front wing design, while additional technical improvements are expected for the subsequent race weekend in Budapest, which will mark the final event before the summer break.
The Spa race represents a historic moment for Red Bull Racing: for the first time since 2005, the team will compete in a Grand Prix without Christian Horner at the helm. Following the recent and unexpected dismissal of the British manager, leadership of the team has passed to Laurent Mekies, who has also been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Verstappen Welcomes Mekies and Focuses Fully on Spa
Max Verstappen, currently contending for his fifth Formula 1 World Championship title, has expressed enthusiasm for working closely with Laurent Mekies. The Dutch driver said he is eager to build a strong working relationship with Mekies. He also emphasized his passion for the Spa-Francorchamps track: “Spa is one of my absolute favorite circuits. It’s a classic, very old-school track where you need to get everything perfect to deliver a clean lap. I love the fast corners like Eau Rouge; the track’s layout is unique compared to other circuits, and the elevation changes make it a true challenge.”
Rain Expected but Red Bull Hopes for a Turning Point
Weather forecasts predict a high chance of rain on Friday and Sunday during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, factors that could significantly influence the race outcome. In the 2024 edition of the Belgian GP, Verstappen was clearly the fastest in qualifying but had to serve a ten-place grid penalty due to an engine change.
The new front wing is one of the most anticipated technical upgrades, designed to help reduce the performance gap with rivals McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, who have applied pressure on Red Bull during the early part of the 2025 season. Mekies’ debut combined with these technical innovations signals the beginning of a new chapter for the Anglo-Austrian team as they aim to regain their competitive edge in Formula 1.
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