Laurent Mekies, the newly appointed team principal of Red Bull Racing, has issued a bold statement that has sent ripples through the Formula 1 world. Just two races into his tenure, having replaced Christian Horner ahead of the Belgian and Hungarian Grands Prix, Mekies has made it clear he intends to shake things up within the team.

His primary target? Addressing what he calls the “superstar syndrome” surrounding four-time consecutive world champion Max Verstappen. However, in a surprising twist, Mekies is not starting with Verstappen himself but with his key confidant and race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase.

Journalists have dubbed Mekies’ approach a “preemptive power move,” signaling his intent to establish authority within a team that has dominated Formula 1 in recent years but is now showing signs of strain. Despite Verstappen’s undeniable talent—Mekies himself describes the Dutch driver as a “natural-born genius”—Red Bull’s performance has been lackluster in recent races.

The team, once untouchable, has struggled to maintain its edge, with rivals like McLaren and Mercedes closing the gap. Mekies believes the root of the issue lies not in Verstappen’s driving but in the team’s operational dynamics, particularly the culture of indulgence surrounding their star driver.

A Team in Transition

Mekies’ appointment as team principal came as a shock to many, given Christian Horner’s long-standing success at the helm. Horner, who guided Red Bull to multiple championships, was replaced after a tumultuous period marked by internal controversies and inconsistent results.

Mekies, a respected figure with a strong technical background from his time at Ferrari and Toro Rosso, was brought in to steady the ship. However, his first two races in charge—Belgium and Hungary—yielded no significant improvement, prompting questions about the team’s direction.

The lack of progress has only fueled Mekies’ resolve. In a candid press conference, he acknowledged Verstappen’s brilliance but pointed to deeper issues within the team’s structure. “Max is a phenomenon, a driver who can single-handedly turn races in our favor,” Mekies said. “But genius thrives under pressure, not coddling. We’ve been too soft, too accommodating, and it’s time to change that.”

The ‘Superstar Syndrome’

Mekies’ diagnosis of “superstar syndrome” refers to the team’s tendency to cater excessively to Verstappen’s needs, potentially stifling the competitive edge that once defined Red Bull.

The team’s operations, from strategy calls to car development, have revolved around maximizing Verstappen’s performance, often at the expense of broader team dynamics. While this approach worked during Red Bull’s dominant 2022 and 2023 seasons, recent challenges suggest it may no longer be sustainable.

Mekies believes the team’s over-reliance on Verstappen has created an imbalance. “We’ve built a system where Max is the sun, and everything orbits around him,” he explained.

“That’s not a criticism of Max—it’s a reflection of how we’ve allowed things to evolve. To stay at the top, we need to challenge him, not just enable him.”

Rather than confronting Verstappen directly, Mekies has chosen to start with Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s race engineer and one of the most critical figures in his inner circle.

Lambiase, known for his close relationship with Verstappen, has been instrumental in translating the driver’s feedback into on-track success.

Their radio communications, often laced with humor and occasional tension, have become a hallmark of Verstappen’s races. However, Mekies sees Lambiase’s role as pivotal in resetting the team’s culture.

Targeting the Right-Hand Man

Mekies’ decision to focus on Lambiase is strategic.

As Verstappen’s primary point of contact during races, Lambiase wields significant influence over the driver’s mindset and decision-making.

Mekies believes that by recalibrating Lambiase’s approach—introducing stricter protocols and higher expectations—he can indirectly reshape Verstappen’s environment without disrupting the driver’s focus during the summer break.

“Gianpiero is exceptional at what he does, but we need to ensure the entire team operates with discipline and accountability,” Mekies said. “This isn’t about blame; it’s about raising the bar. Max thrives on challenges, and we’re going to give him tougher ones, starting with how we work as a team.”

Mekies has outlined plans to implement more rigorous performance reviews and strategy sessions, ensuring that Lambiase and the engineering team push Verstappen harder during race weekends.

This could mean tougher calls on tire strategy, more aggressive setup tweaks, or less deference to Verstappen’s preferences in favor of data-driven decisions. The goal is to create an environment where Verstappen’s genius is tested, not indulged.

Respecting Verstappen’s Personal Life

Despite his bold rhetoric, Mekies is mindful of Verstappen’s personal circumstances. The 27-year-old driver recently welcomed his first child, Lily Verstappen, with his partner, Kelly Piquet. Mekies has made it clear that he respects Verstappen’s need for family time during the summer break.

“Max deserves this time with Kelly and Lily,” Mekies said. “We’re not here to disrupt his personal life. The changes we’re making are internal, starting with how the team operates.”

This approach reflects Mekies’ understanding of Verstappen’s importance to Red Bull. Alienating their star driver would be counterproductive, especially given his ability to deliver results under pressure.

By focusing on Lambiase and the team’s operational framework, Mekies aims to create a more disciplined environment without directly challenging Verstappen’s authority.

A Risky Move?

Mekies’ strategy is not without risks. Verstappen, known for his fiery personality and strong opinions, may not respond well to changes in his support structure.

His relationship with Lambiase is built on trust, and any perceived interference could create tension. Moreover, Red Bull’s recent struggles are not solely attributable to team dynamics—technical issues with the car, particularly in high-speed corners, have also played a role.

Mekies will need to balance his cultural overhaul with tangible improvements in car performance to maintain the team’s competitiveness.

Critics argue that Mekies’ focus on “superstar syndrome” may be a distraction from deeper issues, such as Red Bull’s failure to adapt to the latest ground-effect regulations.

Others see it as a bold statement of intent, signaling that Mekies is unafraid to challenge the status quo. “This is Mekies laying down a marker,” said veteran F1 journalist Mark Hughes. “He’s telling the team, and Max, that things are going to change. It’s a risky move, but it could pay off if he gets it right.”

The Road Ahead

As Formula 1 heads into the summer break, Mekies has a narrow window to implement his vision. The next race, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, will be a critical test.

Not only is it Verstappen’s home race, but it also marks the start of the second half of the season, where Red Bull will face intense pressure to fend off McLaren and Mercedes in the constructors’ championship.

Mekies’ focus on Gianpiero Lambiase and the broader team culture is just the beginning. Over the coming weeks, he plans to review every aspect of Red Bull’s operations, from pit stop efficiency to aerodynamic development.

“This is about building a team that can win not just today, but for years to come,” he said. “Max is our greatest asset, but even geniuses need a team that pushes them to be better.”

For now, Verstappen remains focused on his family, unaware of the changes brewing within Red Bull. Whether Mekies’ gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the new team principal is determined to leave his mark on Formula 1’s most dominant team.

As the season resumes, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see if Mekies can turn his bold words into results.