Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Pre-Season Testing

What Laurent Mekies' engineering background adds to Red Bull, according to Ford

Mark Rushbrook says Christian Horner deserves “full credit” for his role in building the Red Bull-Ford partnership, which has had its first test in Barcelona this week

The initial filming day for Racing Bulls at Imola and the collective shakedown in Barcelona mark the first steps for Red Bull-Ford Powertrains on track.

The partnership came about after Red Bull’s negotiations with Porsche – which wanted to be a partner “on equal footing” – broke down and Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook saw his opportunity. By his own admission, he simply sent former Red Bull boss Christian Horner an email asking whether he might be open to a conversation.

Horner a driving force behind Red Bull's engine project

It illustrates that Horner played a major role in getting the deal over the line. He was one of the strongest advocates of Red Bull’s in-house engine project, as the Briton no longer wanted to depend on others after the experience with Renault and Honda’s sudden decision to formally leave. Furthermore, Horner strongly believed that a potentially better integration of the power unit into the chassis would bring the team long-term benefits.

At the start of the on-track collaboration between Red Bull and Ford, Rushbrook has not forgotten Horner’s role.

“He deserves a lot of respect for what he built in the Red Bull team over 20 years, with the championships and also the technical depth that was built there,” he said. “And yes, he was the one in our very first discussions.

“It was a very immediate relationship that was built all the way to the top of our company – and that's part of what helped us to come into the sport in what we believe is the right way. So, full credit for everything that he's delivered across his career.”

Ford values Mekies' contribution to the technical team

That said, Horner’s Red Bull replacement Laurent Mekies brings an engineering background to the position, which is highly rated within Red Bull – not least by Max Verstappen. It was mentioned in Red Bull’s official communication as one of the main reasons for his promotion, and Ford sees it as an advantage as well.

Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Thompson - Getty Images

“I personally believe that it does help, because he has a better understanding of what it ultimately takes to deliver the car,” Rushbrook reacted in an interview with Motorsport.com.

“Of course, he's not going in there and doing the detailed engineering himself, but he's able to support Pierre [Wache], Pedals [Paul Monaghan] and everybody. When they need help or when a project needs to be approved, Laurent is able to see it, understand it and give them the support they need.”

It fits a broader trend in Formula 1: more engineers have moved into senior roles. In a way, Rushbrook’s own leadership at Ford Performance is similar to that of Mekies’ at Red Bull.

“In many ways it’s similar to my situation, indeed,” he explained. “Maybe it's not the best comparison, but in terms of Ford Racing, I'm able to lead this team now with an engineering background. And I believe that helps me in terms of what I'm doing and also understanding what the team needs to do.

“Of course, we’re relying on great partners on the marketing and communications side to maximise everything for that as well, but as a racing team, I think it definitely helps.”

The transition was smoothened by the fact that Mekies was no stranger to Ford, given his previous role at Racing Bulls. The Faenza-based sister team is relying on Red Bull-Ford Powertrains as well in F1’s new era.