McLaren\u2019s Oscar Piastri still holds a 69-point advantage over the reigning champion, but Red Bull<\/a> will be encouraged by their rivals\u2019 form at the last few races. They haven\u2019t looked second quickest, and even Mercedes<\/a> seem faster.<\/p>\n Verstappen \u2018doesn\u2019t care\u2019 about chasing down McLaren<\/a> and is realistic about his aims, safe in the knowledge that just a few weeks ago, he had no chance. \u2018A lot of people\u2019 are now commenting on Lando Norris\u2019 chances<\/a>, and now believe that Verstappen beating him is more likely than him beating Piastri.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Laurent Mekies admits Max Verstappen copied \u2018convincing\u2019 Monza trick to win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix<\/a><\/p>\n The \u2018jealous\u2019 Christian Horner always wanted what Toto Wolff had<\/a> when the two were infamous rivals just a few years ago. Their debates were fierce at times, and even had fans on the edge of their seats.<\/p>\n The approach that Mekies, who comes from an engineering background, is likely to be a little more subdued and calm. Even though Mekies and Helmut Marko already disagree<\/a>, the dynamic between Red Bull and its competitors could change.<\/p>\n But focusing more on the racing than any drama away from the track, they might have found another advantage that they didn\u2019t have before. Back in 2021, Horner would often argue with Wolff, and one time, as captured by Netflix\u2019s Drive to Survive cameras, things threatened to boil over during a discussion about porpoising.<\/p>\n \u201cI can tell you that all of you are playing a dangerous game,\u201d said Wolff. \u201cIf a car ends in the wall because it\u2019s too stiff or it\u2019s bottoming out, you are in the s\u2014 and I\u2019m going to come after you. I don\u2019t care. If you think this is a little game and performance, I tell you, you are very, very wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Horner fired back at the Austrian, pointing out that he felt that it was an issue more with his own machinery than a general point.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, change your car. You\u2019ve got a problem. Change your f\u2014\u2014 car,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n![\"Laurent](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-2233851361-1-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Mark Sutton \u2013 Formula 1\/Formula 1 via Getty ImagesLaurent Mekies could make Red Bull conflict change that directly affects Mercedes and Toto Wolff<\/p>\n