Marko takes 'atmosphere' dig at Horner after Verstappen's Monza win

Horner was dismissed mid-season after a difficult spell with the RB21, which had fallen behind the competition. Mekies, who had been leading sister outfit Racing Bulls, was promoted to the main team from the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Frenchman has overseen three races in charge, including Max Verstappen’s return to the podium at the 15th championship round, the Dutch Grand Prix, his first time on the rostrum since Canada.

“Mekies is a top technician, which, with the complexity of the current Formula 1, is a huge advantage,” Marko told OE24. “He gets along well with people, there is a totally different atmosphere than before."

It had been said that under Horner's last few years as head of Red Bull, internal strife divided the team, and as GPblog understood at the time, the team making its way back to a harmonious state was pivotal in Max Verstappen's decision to stay or to depart the Austrian team.

Looking ahead to Formula 1’s major regulation changes in 2026, the Red Bull advisor was cautious.

“If you look at the experience of our competitors, that’s true. But I say: we shall see,” he said. “The subject is so complex that under the new regulations everything is possible. There will be huge surprises, both positive and negative. I choose to think positively for now.”

Looking ahead to Formula 1’s major regulation changes in 2026, the Red Bull advisor was cautious.“If you look at the experience of our competitors, that’s true. But I say: we shall see,” he said. “The subject is so complex that under the new regulations everything is possible. There will be huge surprises, both positive and negative. I choose to think positively for now.”

For Red Bull Racing next season could very well change the face of the team, as Verstappen has only confirmed he will drive for them come 2026 alone, not beyond.

What he will do in 2027, it all depends on how successful Red Bull can be under the new regulations inbound as of next year.