A remarkable shift in team morale at Red Bull has been attributed to a recent change in leadership, sparking intriguing discussions within the Formula 1 community.
The arrival of Laurent Mekies as the new team principal has seemingly transformed the atmosphere at Red Bull, according to development driver Sebastien Buemi. This change comes after Christian Horner's departure, ending his two-decade reign as the team's leader.
Mekies, who took over after 18 months at the helm of Red Bull's sister squad, has overseen continued development of the RB21, with Max Verstappen aiming to upset the title race against the McLaren drivers.
Buemi highlights the positive impact Mekies has had on the team's mood, stating, "Laurent is a guy I've known for over 15 years. He's brought a combination of experience and performance back to the team."
But here's where it gets controversial: Buemi suggests that it's not just Mekies' presence but also the team's improved performance that has boosted morale. "People are pushing harder than ever," he says, "but it's hard to pinpoint exactly what he's brought."
A significant upgrade at the Italian Grand Prix, with changes to the floor, seemed to be the turning point. This upgrade helped Verstappen win three out of the next five races.
When asked about the specific changes, Buemi replied, "I can't say too much without revealing secrets, but those small adjustments allowed the team to push the car's settings to the extreme, resulting in more grip."
So, what do you think? Is it Mekies' leadership or the team's performance that has sparked this incredible mood shift? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
