Zak Brown explains why ‘it’s a shame’ that Christian Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies at Red Bull

Follow us on Google Discover

Red Bull officially entered a new era at the Belgian Grand Prix as new team principal Laurent Mekies led them instead of Christian Horner.

Although their Sunday wasn’t the most spectacular of the season, there were encouraging signs for the team throughout the weekend. Horner’s absence is bringing about changes.

Max Verstappen claimed a sprint victory, while Yuki Tsunoda managed his best Formula 1 qualifying result of the year with seventh.

The immediate decision to give Tsunoda new upgrades paid off, with Mekies wanting to give a fair opportunity to the 25-year-old, whom he had worked with before at Racing Bulls.

Mekies had ‘a slip of the tongue’ about Horner when discussing his predecessor’s exit in a Red Bull press conference. He thinks there had been too much noise around the team.

After seeing his old boss return, Tsunoda’s heart was warmed by Mekies, and he seemed to be the most confident he has all year with an ally alongside him. Some belief has returned.

READ MORE: F1 fans are divided about Laurent Mekies’ instant impact at Red Bull following Max Verstappen’s Belgian GP Sprint win

Zak Brown believes ‘it’s a shame’ that Christian Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies a certain way

Mekies did something Horner would never do by organising a meeting with Toto Wolff at the Belgian Grand Prix.

It’s something that would’ve been hard to see the team engaging with before, but suggests a change in direction and mentality from them.

Speaking about Horner’s departure with Sky Sports F1, McLaren’s Zak Brown said it was ‘a shame’ to see Horner go.

“Competition makes you stronger, so from that sense, they keep you on your toes,” he said. “I think Laurent is very good. The sport moves on quickly, so it probably won’t be something that we’re talking about come Monday.

“It’s a great racing team, so we’ve got to pay attention. Even the worst team in Formula 1 right now is really good, so I think all this competition makes you better. He had fantastic results. It’s a shame to kind of go out the way he did.”

READ MORE: Red Bull’s owners didn’t like what Christian Horner was saying about Zak Brown before he was fired

Can Laurent Mekies lead Red Bull to success in the future?

Mekies ‘excels’ in one area and has always understood the drivers he works with very well. It’s a vital strength to utilise moving forward.

One of the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s biggest weaknesses over the last 18 months has been an inability to produce a car that both drivers can agree with.

By designing a car that any driver can be quick in, they will be producing a shortcut to success. Mekies could be the man for that job.

His engineering background will help, too, and work will now start on ensuring that they start 2026 with a far better car concept than they currently have.