What Laurent Mekies' engineering background adds to Red Bull, according to Ford

Key Highlights

• He was one of the strongest advocates of Red Bull’s in-house engine project, as the Briton no longer wanted to depend on others after the experience with Renault and Honda’s sudden decision to formally leave.
• Furthermore, Horner strongly believed that a potentially better integration of the power unit into the chassis would bring the team long-term benefits. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAt the start of the on-track collaboration between Red Bull and Ford, Rushbrook has not forgotten Horner’s role.“He deserves a lot of respect for what he built in the Red Bull team over 20 years, with the championships and also the technical depth that was built there,” he said.
• “And yes, he was the one in our very first discussions.“It was a very immediate relationship that was built all the way to the top of our company – and that's part of what helped us to come into the sport in what we believe is the right way.
• So, full credit for everything that he's delivered across his career.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFord values Mekies' contribution to the technical teamThat said, Horner’s Red Bull replacement Laurent Mekies brings an engineering background to the position, which is highly rated within Red Bull – not least by Max Verstappen.
• It was mentioned in Red Bull’s official communication as one of the main reasons for his promotion, and Ford sees it as an advantage as well. Laurent Mekies, Red Bull RacingLaurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing“I personally believe that it does help, because he has a better understanding of what it ultimately takes to deliver the car,” Rushbrook reacted in an interview with Motorsport. com. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Of course, he's not going in there and doing the detailed engineering himself, but he's able to support Pierre [Wache], Pedals [Paul Monaghan] and everybody.