Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar have welcomed Laurent Mekies’ swift rise to Red Bull’s top job, with Lawson labelling him the ideal choice to steer the team forward after Christian Horner’s abrupt departure.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, New Zealander Lawson highlighted Mekies’ deep understanding of Formula 1’s inner workings. “He’s got the experience and the vision to keep Red Bull competitive,” Lawson said. “From what I’ve seen working with him, he’s calm under pressure and knows how to get the best from everyone. It’s a smart move for them.”
Hadjar, the young French talent, echoed those sentiments but added a light-hearted twist, suggesting the change might boost his own chances of a Red Bull seat. “Laurent knows my driving inside out,” he noted with a grin. “Having him there could open doors – it’s exciting for the whole setup.”
The pair’s comments come as Mekies steps in immediately, tasked with steadying Red Bull amid recent on-track struggles and internal shifts. Both drivers stressed that Mekies’ time at Racing Bulls, where he built a solid foundation, equips him well for the challenge ahead.
Lawson, who’s been pushing for consistency this season, admitted the transition feels bittersweet. “We’ll miss him here, but it’s great to see someone like Laurent get this opportunity,” he added.
For Hadjar, who’s impressed with points finishes in recent races, the focus remains on performing. “Changes like this shake things up, but our job is to deliver on track,” he said.
As Red Bull adapts to new leadership, all eyes will be on how Mekies influences their title fight against resurgent rivals like McLaren and Mercedes.
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