New Red Bull team principal speaks out after surprise promotion

New Red Bull F1 team principal Laurent Mekies has issued a statement following his promotion to the team.

Red Bull confirmed a sensational structure change just a handful of days after the British Grand Prix.

After 20 years in the leading position at the Milton Keynes-based squad, Christian Horner has been moved aside.

Mekies, who has led the sister Racing Bulls team for the last 18 months, will step into the position and be tasked with managing the future of Red Bull, who has endured a challenging opening half to the current campaign.

In his statement confirming his exit from Racing Bulls ahead of his new role, Mekies hailed the time spent with his now-former team.

“The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO],” Mekies said. 

“It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. 

“The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.”

Racing Bulls has confirmed Alan Permane, a veteran of the F1 paddock, will take over as its team principal.

“Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path,” Mekies added. 

“He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.”