Max Verstappen has stated he’s wanting ahead to working along with his new boss Laurent Mekies from the Belgian Grand Prix, after it was confirmed that Mekies would turn into Purple Bull’s new Staff Principal.
Mekies’ appointment got here following the departure of Christian Horner from the squad on July 9 after 20 years on the helm – Mekies transferring over from Racing Bulls to interchange him, with Alan Permane taking the reins at Racing Bulls.
And waiting for certainly one of his two dwelling races – Verstappen being half-Belgian on his mom’s facet – the reigning champion welcomed his new crew boss, earlier than wanting ahead to racing at his “favorite observe”.
“I used to be again on the manufacturing facility final week to spend a while within the sim with the crew,” stated Verstappen. “I’m wanting ahead to working carefully with Laurent.
“Spa is a basic and at all times my favorite observe on the calendar,” he added, “a really old-fashioned circuit the place it’s a must to do all the pieces proper to get lap. I benefit from the high-speed corners akin to Eau Rouge, the structure which is totally different to different circuits and elevation modifications that make the observe extra of a problem to drive.”
For crew mate Yuki Tsunoda, in the meantime, will probably be a case of linking again up with Mekies, Tsunoda having raced beneath the Frenchman at Racing Bulls earlier than his call-up to Red Bull forward of this 12 months’s Japanese Grand Prix.
However with the Japanese driver having scored simply seven points in his Purple Bull tenure to date – Verstappen having taken 129 in the identical interval – Tsunoda was clear that he wanted “to start out delivering the efficiency” Purple Bull require from this weekend in Belgium, which options the return of the Sprint format.
“We’re coming into this race in a brand new period for the crew and will probably be good to hyperlink up once more with Laurent,” stated Tsunoda. “We labored very well collectively at… Racing Bulls. I understand how he likes to work and our full focus is on pushing ahead and for me personally to start out delivering the efficiency we want.
“Spa is a enjoyable circuit and one that would go well with us properly. The Dash at all times makes issues tough however the work and preparation now we have performed on this off time ought to set us up properly.
“I’ve spent the day without work racing blended between coaching very arduous and utilizing the break to mentally reset. I needed to be the most effective ready I may very well be coming into Spa and in higher situation, mentally and bodily. I’m feeling sturdy and sharp and searching ahead to those subsequent two races earlier than summer season break.”
Mekies faces a problem to shut the hole to McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes within the Teams’ standings, Purple Bull at present sitting P4, a full 288 factors behind runaway leaders McLaren.
