Verstappen Upbeat on Mekies Link-Up

Dutchman aims to give Red Bull winning start to life after Horner on 'favourite track'

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SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS - Max Verstappen and Red Bull are seeking a successful reset of their season when they launch a new era at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, their first race without Christian Horner in charge.

As Formula One resumes after a mini break, McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will be intensifying their duel to succeed the Dutchman as world champion.

While Norris seeks his third consecutive win in a bid to reduce teammate Piastri's eight-point lead, it will be Red Bull who are under the greatest scrutiny as they embark on a new adventure under Frenchman Laurent Mekies.

Never before have a Red Bull team raced without Horner, who was dismissed unexpectedly on July 9 following 20 years of success, including guiding Verstappen to four consecutive world titles from 2021 to 2024.

His successor Mekies, promoted from junior team Racing Bulls, faces a daunting challenge - not only in keeping the team's focus and performance at the majestic high-speed Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes, but also in bringing stability to Red Bull after a stormy period.