Red Bull’s New Leadership Faces Challenges Ahead of Belgian Grand Prix
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s newly appointed team principal, is handling the pressure and attention with composure during a turbulent phase for the team.
Having taken over two weeks ago following Christian Horner’s departure, Mekies is steering Red Bull through a transition, maintaining a steady approach despite the unusual circumstances ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.
“The timing is certainly unusual,” remarks analyst Martin Brundle on Sky Sports regarding Horner’s exit. “It might have made more sense to handle this during the offseason. But the situation is what it is.”
Nico Rosberg adds, “He was losing support internally. Important figures were leaving, so the decision was made.”
Naomi Schiff notes, “Verstappen will undoubtedly stay next year. While the racing team is strong, the core of Red Bull’s involvement remains. They need to regroup and move forward.”
Preamble
The Belgian Grand Prix has been overshadowed by Horner’s recent exit, though the race itself will redirect attention to on-track competition.
Lando Norris secured pole position for McLaren, while Lewis Hamilton, a five-time Spa winner, qualified 16th after what he called an “unacceptable” mistake. “A weekend to forget,” Hamilton admitted. “I need to reflect and apologize to the team.” Norris’s pole follows his British Grand Prix win earlier this month, where his teammate Oscar Piastri felt a penalty unfairly cost him a better result.
Max Verstappen, who won the sprint race, starts fourth, with Piastri second, securing a McLaren one-two. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari is third. All eyes will be on Mekies as he steps into his new role, guiding Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda in Horner’s absence.
The race begins at 2pm UK time.
Read next
"Guardian Sport Weekend: Lions' Third Test, England vs. India, Women’s Open Action"
Rugby Union
11am Australia v British & Irish Lions live
The Lions enter the third and final Test against the Wallabies with a chance to secure a historic series sweep, an achievement not seen in decades. Lee Calvert will provide updates throughout. No Lions team has remained undefeated since Willie
Wallabies crush Lions' clean sweep bid in storm-lashed Sydney clash
Lions Fall Short as Wallabies Secure Series Finale
The hopes of a dominant tour for the British & Irish Lions came to an end as they suffered their first defeat in Australia on a rain-soaked evening in Sydney. The home side rose to the occasion, overcoming challenging weather and a
"Live: England vs India in fifth men's cricket Test, day three"
39th over: India 155-2 (Jaiswal 80, Akash Deep 51) Overton moves away from short-pitched deliveries, conceding just a single.
Guy Hornsby observes, "England will regret those dropped catches as the runs pile up, especially once Jaiswal reaches his century. Woakes’ absence was significant, though England managed well initially. Now,