Ferrari issue ultimatum to Red Bull for Mekies

Ferrari has reportedly issued an ultimatum to Red Bull to release some of its engineers in exchange for Laurent Mekies, who is set to join AlphaTauri in the future.

Mekies is part of the restructure at AlphaTauri which sees Franz Tost leaving the team after 18 years, and being replaced by the current Sporting Director at Ferrari along with former FIA Secretary General Peter Bayer.

The terms of Mekies release has yet to be agreed between the two parties, but according to Motorsport Italy this could involve Ferrari poaching engineers from Red Bull. If this is unsuccessful, it could be likely that Mekies stays at Ferrari and ends up not rejoining AlphaTauri.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has previously indicated to media, including RacingNews365.com, that there are "no plans" for Red Bull to lose any of their technical team to Ferrari.

Mekies committed to Ferrari

The Frenchman reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari in the Team Principal's Press Conference at Monaco, but conceded that his release could take longer than expected.

"Well, the truth is the decision has not been made yet, so until that point I'm wearing red and as a result I'm committed 100% to Ferrari and to represent Ferrari in these sort of conditions," he told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"What is fair to say is that the reason why there is still discussion is probably also because people needed more time to talk to each other.

"That's what they are doing now. I'm confident that gives them a little bit of time, and we'll find a solution that will make all parties comfortable."