Aug.25 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko says Christian Horner’s substitute as Purple Bull crew boss, Laurent Mekies, has introduced a brand new fashion to the vitality drink-owned crew.
“On a private degree, he’s extra centered on his work,” the long-time model advisor advised f1-insider.com. “In different phrases, an important factor for him is the crew’s success and management.”
Horner’s pressured departure earlier this yr was linked to rising rigidity with Purple Bull’s shareholders, with rumours suggesting his broader ambitions prolonged nicely past crew principal.
Marko contrasted that with Mekies’ method.
“He’s very down-to-earth,” the 82-year-old Austrian stated. “This has already been noticeable in conversations with the drivers, who this time have centered extra on technical particulars. And Yuki specifically has observed a leap ahead within the race, or at the very least in qualifying.
“So there’s a special environment, a special fashion, and that’s what Purple Bull has at all times needed.”
The larger problem for the reigning champions, nevertheless, is the driving force lineup. Each Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have struggled to get close to Max Verstappen, fuelling hypothesis that Tsunoda will depart on the finish of the yr and that juniors like Isack Hadjar or Arvid Lindblad may step in for 2026.
However Marko insists the Japanese driver isn’t dominated out.
“Historically, we consider our drivers after the summer season break after which resolve what the lineup can be for the next yr, or in some circumstances even later. For now, every thing is open,” stated the Austrian.
“Merely put, Yuki nonetheless has an opportunity. We’re at the moment analysing efficiency. Subsequently, no constructive or destructive selections have been made.”
