Oct.23 (GMM) Red Bull’s sudden return to form after Christian Horner’s dismissal has not gone unnoticed by anyone – least of all by those who once worked alongside the ousted team boss.
Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos says the team’s transformation under Laurent Mekies must be difficult for Horner to watch, even if his bank account was helped by what is believed to be a 100 million severance package.
“It was an incredible decision by the Red Bull board to fire Christian Horner mid-season,” Doornbos told the Pit Talk Podcast. “Nobody saw that coming – not the team, but not Christian himself as well.”
Doornbos, however, admitted the change has proved effective.
“It’s strange to see, and it must be confronting for Christian,” he said. “After two weekends, he won his first Grand Prix,” he added, referring to Mekies, whose calm, engineering-led style is viewed as the opposite of Horner’s.
Dr Helmut Marko agrees that the Frenchman’s technical background has given the operation fresh energy. “He’s established a different approach to technical setup,” the Austrian told Sky Deutschland.
“We’re no longer miles off on Fridays like we used to be. We had almost given up on everything in the summer, and now everyone is really hungry again. That creates a great dynamic.”
With Max Verstappen back to dominant form and rabidly chasing down the leading McLarens, Marko believes Red Bull now has no obvious weaknesses.
“There is no longer a track where we would have to say that we are at a disadvantage,” he said.
Writing in La Gazzetta dello Sport, technical analyst Paolo Filisetti described what has actually changed inside Milton Keynes since Mekies’ arrival. He noted that from Monza onward – coinciding with the debut of a new floor and the team’s adoption of Ferrari-style simulator setup routines – Red Bull began preparing its baseline setup far more precisely before each weekend.
According to Filisetti, this intensified simulator work “reduced the margin for error and therefore time loss, which is crucial in a Sprint format weekend,” allowing the team to arrive with a more refined baseline and execute flawlessly on-site.
He wrote that since Mekies took charge, “many things, silent and barely visible from the outside, have changed,” showing how leadership details “can determine seemingly insignificant differences which, in fact, are only apparently so.”
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES