Max Verstappen ‘looking forward to working closely’ with new Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies

Max Verstappen has stated he’s wanting ahead to working along with his new boss Laurent Mekies from the Belgian Grand Prix, after it was confirmed that Mekies would change into Purple Bull’s new Workforce Principal.

Mekies’ appointment got here following the departure of Christian Horner from the squad on July 9 after 20 years on the helm – Mekies transferring over from Racing Bulls to switch him, with Alan Permane taking the reins at Racing Bulls.

And looking forward to considered one of his two residence races – Verstappen being half-Belgian on his mom’s aspect – the reigning champion welcomed his new crew boss, earlier than wanting ahead to racing at his “favorite observe”.

“I used to be again on the manufacturing unit final week to spend a while within the sim with the crew,” stated Verstappen. “I’m wanting ahead to working carefully with Laurent.

“Spa is a traditional and at all times my favorite observe on the calendar,” he added, “a really old style circuit the place it’s important to do the whole lot proper to get a superb lap. I benefit from the high-speed corners resembling Eau Rouge, the structure which is completely different to different circuits and elevation adjustments that make the observe extra of a problem to drive.”

For crew mate Yuki Tsunoda, in the meantime, it is going to be a case of linking again up with Mekies, Tsunoda having raced underneath the Frenchman at Racing Bulls earlier than his call-up to Red Bull forward of this 12 months’s Japanese Grand Prix.

However with the Japanese driver having scored simply seven points in his Purple Bull tenure to date – Verstappen having taken 129 in the identical interval – Tsunoda was clear that he wanted “to begin delivering the efficiency” Purple Bull require from this weekend in Belgium, which options the return of the Sprint format.

“We’re coming into this race in a brand new period for the crew and it is going to be good to hyperlink up once more with Laurent,” stated Tsunoda. “We labored very well collectively at… Racing Bulls. I understand how he likes to work and our full focus is on pushing ahead and for me personally to begin delivering the efficiency we want.

“Spa is a enjoyable circuit and one that would go well with us effectively. The Dash at all times makes issues difficult however the work and preparation we have now executed on this off time ought to set us up properly.

“I’ve spent the break day racing combined between coaching very laborious and utilizing the break to mentally reset. I wished to be the most effective ready I may very well be coming into Spa and in higher situation, mentally and bodily. I’m feeling robust and sharp and searching ahead to those subsequent two races earlier than summer season break.”

Mekies faces a problem to shut the hole to McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes within the Teams’ standings, Purple Bull at present sitting P4, a full 288 factors behind runaway leaders McLaren.