After several contradictory statements, Laurent Mekies wanted to defuse the situation with Zak Brown behind the scenes.
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The weekend of the Grand Prix held at the Miami International Autodrome was also lively off the track. Laurent Mekies and Zak Brown found themselves at the center of an indirect exchange in the media.
The issue: the future role of Gianpiero Lambiase, currently Max Verstappen’s race engineer. Mekies had hinted that the Italian would join McLaren with a role similar to his own, which contradicted the official communication from the British team.
A necessary clarification between leaders
In response to these statements, Zak Brown replied with a touch of irony, stating that Mekies must “know something” that he did not. A remark that could have worsened the situation.
But Mekies quickly favored calming things down, revealing that he had spoken directly with his counterpart.
“I talk very often with Zak and with my other colleagues, he explains. None of us wanted to get into a media ping-pong, so we had a good discussion and moved on.”
Red Bull already anticipates the post-Lambiase period
Beyond this exchange, Red Bull is preparing for the future. The potential departure of Lambiase, nicknamed “GP,” represents a significant challenge for the Austrian team.
Mekies remains calm: “We have a few years to think about his replacement” he says, with a smile.
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He especially emphasizes the depth of talent within the team: “We are proud of our structure and the level of our teams, department by department.”
A strategy based on continuity and targeted recruitment
After several notable departures in recent years, Red Bull is betting on a clear strategy: promoting its internal talents while remaining opportunistic in the market.
“We always try to promote internally when possible, Mekies explains. But if we need to seek specific skills elsewhere, we will gladly do so.”
This approach aims to maintain the team’s competitiveness in a context where personnel movements are increasingly frequent in Formula 1.
A matter now closed
With this discussion between leaders, the tension seems to have eased between Red Bull and McLaren. Mekies has clearly shown his desire to avoid any unnecessary controversy.
In a paddock where every word can take on considerable weight, this episode reminds us of the importance of behind-the-scenes relationships… sometimes as strategic as the battle on the track.
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