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2d ago

Red Bull Elevates Mekies After Horner Exit as Verstappen Weighs Contract Options

Faced with RB21 handling issues, the new team principal must restore momentum as the four-time champion considers contract escape routes.

Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Jeremy Clarkson on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 02, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain.
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Overview

  • Christian Horner was dismissed on Wednesday after a downturn in Red Bull’s performance and replaced by Laurent Mekies as team principal and CEO.
  • Mekies inherits a car beset by handling problems linked in part to Adrian Newey’s departure last year.
  • Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that talks have taken place with Verstappen, intensifying speculation over his 2026 seat.
  • Verstappen holds a contract through 2028 that includes performance-based exit clauses, enabling him to depart if Red Bull underperforms.
  • Former driver Gerhard Berger and others theorize that Horner’s removal was orchestrated to secure Verstappen’s continued loyalty.