Toto Wolff’s next big rivalry might be with Red Bull’s new team principal, Laurent Mekies. The two could be set for a tense relationship, especially if both teams are fighting at the front in 2026.
George Russell is already being tipped by many as the championship favourite, and it would be unwise to dismiss Max Verstappen before the season even gets underway.
As the season approached, every team had its own agenda, with Toto Wolff and Mercedes finding themselves in the spotlight over an engine compression ratio issue.
The engine regulations will shift partway through the year, and Red Bull’s new power unit has already drawn attention during testing.
Wolff’s clashes with Christian Horner became a defining storyline during several F1 seasons, particularly when Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were vying for titles.
But commentator Nelson Valkenburg and journalist Tim Hauraney have suggested that Wolff may face an even tougher challenge dealing with Laurent Mekies this year.
How Laurent Mekies’ rulebook knowledge could put him ahead of Toto Wolff
On the Nailing the Apex Podcast, Valkenburg said: “I think Toto will miss Horner because I think Mekies, with his intricate knowledge of how the FIA works and his technical understanding and his lack of needing the spotlight, might be a more difficult adversary for Toto Wolff than Christian Horner.
“Christian Horner, he’ll understand. He knows what he’s got. He doesn’t know what Mekies is doing behind the scenes.
“So, I’m not certain Toto is super happy Horner isn’t there.”
Hauraney replied: “And this one did kind of get played out in public, too.
“I mean, when I was standing over by Red Bull Racing waiting to talk to Laurent Mekies, Toto Wolff had pulled him aside in the middle of the paddock and he was letting him know he wasn’t happy.
When asked if Mekies looked flustered afterwards, Hauraney continued: “No, not at all. Like even when he came over to sit down to chat. I kind of said to him that looked like quite the conversation.
“So he was like ‘Oh yeah it was something’ and I was like ‘It looked like something!’ But yeah didn’t seem flustered by it whatsoever.”
Wolff has already acknowledged Mekies’ level-headed approach at Red Bull
Mekies stepped into the Red Bull role last year, replacing Christian Horner, and the team quickly found their footing. Still, he was quick to deflect praise for any changes in form.
Verstappen finished just short of another championship, but Mekies highlighted his driver’s growing leadership within the team. This season marks the first where Mekies has a real chance to shape Red Bull’s direction from the outset, and Valkenburg believes his background could be key.
Wolff also recognised Mekies’ influence after taking over from Horner. As reported by Autosport: “It’s a bit ambivalent because, A, his track record is very good – one of the most successful in Formula 1.
“So, clearly, there are things he’s done well. Within the team, I think he was, to a certain degree, respected in Milton Keynes.
“But then we didn’t often have the same opinion or perspective. So, he’s been a wonderful, great enemy over the years.”
“Am I missing him? It’s quite strange to come here and Christian not going to be around,” Wolff added. “I mean what are you doing with him not around? That’s a bit weird.
“And then you have the pragmatism of Laurent Mekies. Suddenly you can have a conversation about long term. We’re just totally different people but even your biggest enemy is your best friend.”
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