Red Bull’s Racing Revolution: “Championships Are Just a Consequence”
In a bold declaration that has sent shockwaves through the F1 community, Red Bull’s team principal, Laurent Mekies, has firmly stated that the team will remain steadfast in its approach to the current racing season, regardless of its resurgent performance. The Milton Keynes-based squad, under Mekies’ leadership since July, is refusing to shift its focus toward championship standings as it races toward the thrilling conclusion of the season.
The transformation at Red Bull has been nothing short of remarkable. With innovative strategies and a significant floor upgrade, the six-time Constructors’ Champion is back in the battle for supremacy, now eyeing second place in the constructors’ standings. With just four races remaining, they sit tantalizingly close—only 10 points behind Ferrari. Meanwhile, the phenomenal Max Verstappen has clawed his way back into the drivers’ title chase, shrinking his deficit to just 36 points from current leader Lando Norris, a staggering comeback from a 104-point gap just five races ago.
Yet, Mekies remains resolute in his stance, insisting that the team’s strategy will not change. “We are not going to change our approach,” he asserted, dismissing the notion of becoming preoccupied with championship standings. “We were not looking at championships five races ago; we were not looking at championships before Austin, we were not looking after Austin.” Instead, Mekies emphasizes the importance of focusing on performance during each race weekend.
Following Verstappen’s third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Mekies reiterated the team’s commitment to continuous improvement: “What would we do if we came back [to Mexico City]? What can we learn for Brazil?” This focus on learning and development is key for Red Bull as they strive for excellence on the track.
Despite Verstappen’s impressive efforts to close the gap in the title race, Mekies acknowledged that Red Bull was not at its competitive best in Mexico City. “The drivers’ title fight and the race for runner-up in the constructors’ battle are nothing more than a consequence of executing each round,” he stated emphatically. “The championship is nothing more than a consequence; it doesn’t change anything for us, whether we are close or far.”
The message is clear: Red Bull is not just racing for points; they are racing for perfection. Mekies is determined that the team will extract every ounce of performance, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory. “We still want, as a team, to consider, extract, and leave knowing we have extracted absolutely everything and that everything is good enough to fight for the win.”
As the tension mounts and the clock ticks down to the season’s finale, Red Bull’s unwavering focus on performance rather than standings may just be the secret weapon they need. Will this strategy pay off as they gear up for the next showdown in Brazil? One thing is certain: the F1 world will be watching closely.
