P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Former F1 boss sheds light on new Red Bull era after Christian Horner ‘turmoil’
A former F1 boss shared insights on Red Bull’s new era, highlighting a shift to a calmer team culture following Christian Horner’s departure in July 2025 after 20 years as team principal since their 2005 debut.
The 2026 season marks the first without Horner at the helm, with Laurent Mekies stepping up from Racing Bulls to lead a performance surge at the end of 2025.
With Mekies’ influence, Max Verstappen secured six wins in the final nine races but narrowly missed out on the title, with Red Bull finishing third in the constructors’ championship.
Mekies’ appointment aims to maintain Verstappen’s allegiance amid a competitive grid and new regulations, emphasizing stability and progress under the new leadership.
As Red Bull navigates a transitional phase, Verstappen’s future could hinge on assessing teams’ adaptation to the rule changes before committing long-term, showcasing a measured approach to driver-team dynamics in the evolving F1 landscape.
