Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko explains why Red Bull decided to bring in Laurent Mekies from sister team Racing Bulls. The Frenchman took over this week from the dismissed Christian Horner as team boss of Red Bull. According to Marko, Mekies has ‘everything it takes’ to lead the Austrian team.
On the same day that Red Bull announced it would no longer continue with Christian Horner at the helm, Laurent Mekies was appointed the new team boss of Red Bull Racing. The Frenchman got straight to work and has already completed his first day as the brand-new team boss during a filming day at Silverstone. Advisor Helmut Marko explains why the choice fell on Mekies, and why Alan Permane is now at the head of sister team Racing Bulls.
New Chapter
“In Belgium, a new chapter begins at Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, with Laurent Mekies as team boss at Red Bull Racing and Alan Permane as team boss at Racing Bulls,” Marko looks ahead in his column for Speedweek to the next Grand Prix. “Alan was the logical choice for us as the next boss at Racing Bulls, because we didn’t want to bring in someone from outside. In fact, we just expanded his previous role.” Permane was the Racing Director at the sister team prior to his promotion.
“Laurent was also the logical choice for the new position for the same reasons: as an internal solution and also as a man with vast experience,” Marko continues. “Through his varied work, including later at the FIA and Ferrari, Laurent has everything it takes to lead a top team with expert hand.” Prior to his time as Racing Bulls team boss, Mekies served as deputy team boss at Ferrari and as a safety director at the FIA.
