Laurent Mekies has responded to claims from former Pink Bull CEO Christian Horner that the System 1 crew “misplaced its mojo” since his departure.
After 20 years and 16 world titles, Horner left his function as Pink Bull Group Principal and CEO in July final yr. The Briton made manner for former Racing Bulls Principal Laurent Mekies, who has held the place ever since.
Beneath Mekies’ management, the crew went on to complete third within the Constructors’ standings. In the meantime, Max Verstappen overturned a big factors hole within the Drivers’ standings. Finally ending a mere two factors behind Lando Norris within the Drivers’ standings.
Regardless of this, the Milton Keynes squad endured a quite tumultuous 2026 season. From early-season reliability considerations to dealing with points with the RB-22, it appeared to be a bleak yr for the crew. Nevertheless, their luck shifted in F1’s return to Malaysia. Since then, the crew have sailed to a few victories out of the previous 5 races. Crucially, they’ve overtaken McLaren for third within the Constructors’ standings.
While Horner congratulated his former crew on the milestone victory, he has since highlighted variations inside the crew. Claiming that Pink Bull has seemingly misplaced what it as soon as had when he was on the helm.
“I believe when you have a look at that crew 12 months down the road, it’s misplaced its mojo, its presence, its vibe,” Horner informed the Occasions.
Mekies denies Christian Horner claims
The Frenchman acknowledged his predecessor’s feedback surrounding the crew, while sharing a distinct perspective.
“Look, first, Christian is entitled to his opinion,” Mekies informed media throughout the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix.
“He clearly spent a whole lot of time on this crew. I respect his viewpoint.
“We actually really feel extraordinarily otherwise in regards to the vibe within the crew.”
Nevertheless, Mekies highlighted a constructive shift in crew spirit in latest months, evident via the crew’s rise to success within the remaining stint of the season.
“I believe one of many robust factors we’ve been drawing on, actually in the previous few months, is the unbelievable crew spirit that has allowed us to come back again from an objectively very tough second.
“It’s all the time one factor to have a constructive spirit when you find yourself profitable races. It’s one thing else to have that very same combating spirit and unity between the crew members when you find yourself put below stress.
Regardless of a tough begin to the season, the crew caught collectively, constructing a profitable future inside the crew.
“We actually had a difficult first a part of the yr, chassis facet and PU facet, and the way in which the crew caught collectively, the way in which the crew set the Milton Keynes division on hearth to attempt to come again, and the way in which they’ve carried out that, it’s such a constructively difficult matter from any of our crew members to the brutally trustworthy feedback of our drivers.
“I believe that’s the Pink Bull spirit. That’s actually how we really feel we have to go racing. The blokes obtained the rewards they deserved with the turnaround that they’ve produced, which is, I believe, very outstanding.
“However, in the end, we’re properly conscious that we dwell and die with our outcomes. The goal is to not win one race or two races. The goal is to be again to world titles, and till we’re there, no one will really feel we’ve got achieved something.”
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