Is Laurent Mekies' honeymoon period over at Red Bull? It's an intriguing question, especially considering the dramatic shift in fortunes since his appointment. When Mekies took over from Christian Horner in 2025, the team was on an upward trajectory, with Max Verstappen's victories in Monza and Baku signaling a resurgence. The French team principal's leadership was seen as a breath of fresh air, and the team's performance reflected this, with Verstappen finishing second in the drivers' championship, just two points behind the champion. The optimism was palpable, and Mekies seemed to have hit the ground running.
Fast forward to 2026, and the story is a very different one. After nine races, Red Bull finds itself in fourth place in the constructors' championship, a distant 205 points behind Ferrari. Verstappen, the four-time world champion, is in seventh place in the drivers' standings, winless and over 250 points behind the current leader, Kimi Antonelli. The contrast between 2025 and 2026 is stark, and the honeymoon period for Mekies seems to have ended in a hurry.
Verstappen's frustration is evident, with the driver describing the RB22 as 'undriveable' and pointing to cornering weaknesses and deployment issues. The team's performance has been underwhelming, and the driver's comments suggest a growing divide between the driver and the team. The question now is whether Mekies can turn things around and restore the team's fortunes.
In my opinion, the honeymoon period is over, and the pressure is on Mekies to deliver results. The team's performance has been a disappointment, and the driver's frustration is understandable. However, it's not all doom and gloom. The team has the talent and the resources to turn things around, and Mekies has the experience to lead the charge. The question is whether he can find the right formula to get the team back on track.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between 2025 and 2026. The team's performance has been a rollercoaster, and the driver's frustration is a symptom of the team's struggles. The question now is whether Mekies can find the right balance between supporting the driver and pushing the team forward. The answer may lie in the next few races, and the team's performance will be crucial in determining the future of the honeymoon period.
