Belgian Grand Prix kicks off new era for Red Bull as Mekies takes control
The Briton's sudden sacking after a 20-year reign of rare success, including the most dominant of seasons in 2023, has had the sport buzzing for weeks with plenty of questions to be asked in Belgium.
A Saturday sprint will be the first race of new boss Laurent Mekies' tenure and the change, and how it affects four-time world champion Verstappen's future, remains the talking point.
Horner has made no public comment and Red Bull's preview for the 13th round of the 24-race season made no mention of him.
'I was back at the factory last week to spend time in the sim[ulator] with the team and I'm looking forward to working with Laurent,' Belgian-born Verstappen was quoted as saying.
Mekies, promoted from Racing Bulls who have handed over the reins to Alan Permane, arrives with Red Bull fourth overall and Verstappen a distant third in the drivers' standings behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
That intra-team title battle is likely to have extra sizzle at Spa-Francorchamps as Norris seeks a third win in a row — new territory for the Briton — and the chance to take over at the top.
The sprint format offers more points than usual and Norris, whose mother is Belgian, is only eight behind the Australian going to a high-speed track that is a favourite for most drivers.
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