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Will Buxton claims Laurent Mekies has a ‘harder’ job than Zak Brown’s £3.5bn McLaren revival

Laurent Mekies has been rewarded with a long-term contract at Red Bull thanks to his success this season. There have been sweeping changes at Red…

F1 Oversteer

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 1:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Will Buxton argued that Laurent Mekies faces a harder task rebuilding Red Bull than Zak Brown faced at McLaren.
f1oversteer disputes Buxton's view, noting Brown saved McLaren from potential bankruptcy before winning the 2025 world championship.
Laurent Mekies signed a new long-term Red Bull contract extending through 2031.

The Story in 60 Seconds

F1 broadcaster Will Buxton argued on the Up to Speed podcast that Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies faces a tougher rebuilding job than Zak Brown's turnaround at McLaren. Buxton noted that Mekies must overhaul team culture and technical operations while maintaining front-running expectations following high-profile exits, including Christian Horner.

f1oversteer contends that Buxton's comparison is premature, pointing out that Brown rescued McLaren from near-bankruptcy, built a £3.5bn enterprise, and won a championship. Meanwhile, Mekies secured a contract extension through 2031 after guiding Max Verstappen to recent victories in Sepang and Singapore.

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