Overview

• Laurent Mekies took over as Red Bull principal on July 9 and has since quelled internal tensions, earning praise from rival team chiefs
• McLaren has continued its dominant run by leading both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings, extending its advantage with a Hungarian Grand Prix one-two
• Max Verstappen and advisor Helmut Marko admitted that Red Bull’s 2025 title bid is effectively over following a disappointing weekend at the Hungaroring
• Mekies insisted the team’s struggles in Hungary were an anomaly, pointing to Verstappen’s Sprint race win at Spa as evidence of lingering competitiveness
• Lewis Hamilton’s self-criticism after qualifying 12th and Martin Brundle’s public doubts over his Ferrari tenure have intensified scrutiny of his future at Maranello