Red Bull Racing is located in a period of major changes after the surprising departure of team boss Christian Horner. His successor, Laurent Mekies, did not wait long to leave his mark on the team. Shortly after his appointment, Mekies started with a large -scale repeat within the organization, where a considerable number of employees who were still working under Horner was fired. At the same time, no fewer than 46 new vacancies were published, mainly for positions within the motorcycle department. These developments have only further fueled the speculation about a massive staff change.
According to sources close to the team, this radical step is part of a larger plan to rebuild the Red Bull empire, with a clear focus on the future power source for the 2026 season. That year new technical regulations will come into effect, whereby the engines will change radically. By already investing in attracting top engineers and specialists, Mekies wants to ensure that Red Bull stays at the forefront when the new rules go into.
The decision to implement such a large staff change has led to mixed reactions in the paddock. Some praise Mekies for his decisiveness and strategic insight, while others warn that the loss of experienced forces entails risks. Especially since these employees have played a crucial role in the successes of recent years, including several world titles for Max Verstappen.
The triple world champion itself did not remain quiet after the announcement of these changes. Verstappen announced in an interview that he is aware of the need to evolve, but also emphasized that stability is important within the team. “Change can be good, but it has to happen in the right way. We have to make sure that we have the right people in the right place,” he said. Let his words shine that he is both open to renewal and vigilant for possible negative effects.
Many analysts suspect that Mekies’ interventions are also intended to bind Verstappen to Red Bull in the long term. The Dutchman is invaluable for the team, both sporty and commercial. In Formula 1 it is no secret that a competitive car and a strong technical team are crucial to keep a champion satisfied. With the competition from teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari and the emerging Aston Martin, Red Bull wants to prevent Verstappen from seeking his happiness elsewhere.
The 46 vacancies that have recently been placed indicate that Mekies is not afraid to initiate big plans. Recruiting new talents, especially in motor development, is seen as an investment in the future. This is in line with the ambition to compete immediately for the title in 2026, at the start of the new motor regulations.
In the meantime, the Formula 1 community is closely monitoring developments at Red Bull. In the coming months will be crucial to see if Mekies ’strategy is bearing fruit and whether the new structure can guarantee sufficient stability and performance. What is certain is that this power shift uses a new chapter for the team. With Verstappen as a spearhead and a renewed technical basis, Red Bull seems determined to continue his dominance – albeit with a fresh wind through the organization.
