P1racenews AI automatic summary:
RB CEO Peter Bayer has rejected the notion that his team is merely a Red Bull junior outfit, highlighting where that role fits on the list of priorities for the Faenza-based squad.
RB CEO Peter Bayer has emphasized that being a “junior team” is not a top priority for the Faenza squad in F1, with competitiveness and commercial success taking precedence. The team’s focus has historically been on driver development as part of the Red Bull young driver programme. Despite a rebrand to Visa Cash App RB, media skepticism and controversies like Daniel Ricciardo being replaced by Liam Lawson persist. Bayer highlighted the need to balance different shareholder expectations, including adding a ‘cool and fun’ factor while developing young talent. He stressed the importance of a driver pairing with a mix of youth and experience, like Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, to maximize learning and progress. Laurent Mekies’ influence in reshaping the technical and sporting team was also noted as pivotal to RB’s growth and future success.