Mekis: Christian was the first to call me, and that's impressive.

      Spa La Source, just a few weeks ago appointed as the new team principal of Red Bull Racing, was answering press questions in this role for the first time. Perhaps the main point is that Christian Horner, who was dismissed, supported him.

      Question: First of all, congratulations on your new appointment. You took up this position about two weeks ago. Could you share your initial impressions of Red Bull Racing?

      Laurent Mekies: You see, the first impression when you enter the team’s base building — you pass through a room where numerous trophies are displayed. You can imagine what you might feel: you are simply overwhelmed with the sense that you are being given a real privilege, that this is a very high honor.

      Then, during these two weeks, I’ve just tried to have as many meetings with Red Bull Racing staff as possible. I believe there’s no other way to get to know the team, as you need to start understanding its strengths and weaknesses, figuring out what kind of support it needs.

      That’s what I’ve been doing these last two weeks: getting to know people. The good news is that it’s an incredible team. They haven’t won thanks to luck or coincidences. They’ve won because talented professionals have come together. When you see the approaches being used to solve various problems, you have to think, “Wow, this is really great!”

      All of this is connected to specialists working at all levels over all these years. So, those were my first weeks.

      Question: Have you learned enough to answer the question about the main differences between Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, where you worked before?

      Laurent Mekies: To put it briefly, no. I think at this stage, it would be wrong to compare these teams. But, to be fair, there is a difference in approach when you’re fighting for race wins versus vying for the championship.

      The difference is that in this case, you need to achieve the maximum in every area and work at an extremely high level. That means you have to make very bold decisions…

      Question: To what extent can you tell us how events developed after the British Grand Prix, how the offer to lead Red Bull Racing was made to you, and, of course, what your reaction was when you learned that the team owners decided to remove Christian Horner from his position?

      Laurent Mekies: I know no more than you do. I was called a few hours before the official information was released. Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko called me and asked if I’d be interested in leading the team. Naturally, at that moment, it was a complete surprise for me.

      I was in the UK at the time and actually asked for a few hours to think it over, so I hung up. It wasn’t easy to process, but the first thought that came to my mind was: “Stop, this is Red Bull! Someone from that company is calling you and offering you this job and everything related to it…”

      So I called back and said, “Of course, I would consider it an honor. It’s a real privilege.” Of course, at that moment, I was also thinking of Christian, because the events were unfolding in an entirely unexpected way. All I can say is that over the previous two years, he supported me very well. It’s no secret that he, along with Oliver and Helmut, invited me to Racing Bulls a couple of years ago.

      At that moment, I was experiencing a lot of conflicting feelings. But again, the main thought was that someone from Red Bull was calling. I believe that’s a question of loyalty to the brand, so I simply said, “Of course, if you think I’m needed, I am ready to join this team.”

      Question: Of course, Max Verstappen’s future is one of the important topics discussed in Formula 1 in recent months. To what extent is convincing Max to stay with the team next year and in the foreseeable future a priority for you? Have you had conversations with him on this matter?

      Laurent Mekies: If we talk about priorities, I am sure Max wants a fast car. If we can provide him with such a car, the rest of the issues will resolve themselves. So, right now, the main focus should be on getting to know the team as quickly as possible to understand how best to support it, how to take the next step to increase competitiveness and build a fast car. Then, it will be easier for Max to decide.

      Question: When you discussed your appointment with the team shareholders, did they explain why everything happened exactly now? And how was the task set, how are you being asked to lead the team? Because Helmut Marko recently stated in an interview that, compared to Christian Horner’s situation, the idea is to limit your authority — for example, to mainly handle the racing squad…

      Laurent Mekies: It’s probably too early to talk about structural changes. Although, of course, one of the main goals is to ensure proper priority setting and to expand bottlenecks at all levels. With this mindset, we approach the situation and evaluate what our next steps should be.

      Certainly, the focus is primarily on Formula 1. We have a chassis division, and an engine division. All of this should be at the center of our attention. This is a racing team where all the people love their work; they are here specifically for racing.

      Question: For most team members, all this means tectonic shifts, as many of them have worked at Red Bull Racing as long as Christian, if not longer. After two weeks, can you say something about the team’s morale? How did people perceive the changes taking place?

      Laurent Mekies: Of course, in the first 24 hours, they had to process a lot, because no one expected this. Everyone was surprised and, naturally, had to digest it somehow. What else can I say? I can only add that I feel tremendous support. People simply want to race…

      They are ready to talk, to listen, to explain what makes the team strong and what hinders it, how we will prepare for the upcoming races to perform at a higher level in the future. That’s what I see in the team.

      Question: Have you spoken with Christian after taking the position? He has been a very prominent figure in Formula 1 for the past twenty years. Do you feel any particular pressure replacing him?

      Laurent Mekies: I’ll say right away that we have spoken. And despite the complexity of what’s happening, he supports me in every way. He was the first to send me a text message, the first to call me. In the context of what’s happening, all that is very impressive.

      No one can replace someone like Christian. There is no second such person. I came to the team to become its executive director and leader. Can I perform these duties as Christian did? No. At least I cannot. But we will rely on the strengths of this incredible team…

      Question: Can you share whether your contract with Red Bull is only for this year or is it of a long-term nature? What are your aims? Is there a specific place you want to occupy in the Constructors’ Championship?

      Laurent Mekies: I’m not sure how much I can share about this. Seriously, I think few doubt that the team’s goal is race wins and championships. Are these goals different from those it had yesterday? No. Are there contracts that guarantee a person will hold a particular position forever? No. I don’t have such a contract either. But I believe that’s quite normal in Formula 1.