Racing Bulls chief Mekies relishes 'underdog' tag

Laurent Mekies has no illusions about Racing Bulls' place in Formula One. The team — formerly known as Toro Rosso, AlphaTauri and RB — has always existed in Red Bull's orbit; a proving ground for the energy drink-backed concern to prepare and evaluate its stable of young driving talent.

But Mekies, as team principal, sees the newly-named Racing Bulls as more than just a finishing school. He envisions a youthful, ambitious team capable of fighting on its own terms, while still fulfilling its role within the Red Bull ecosystem.

"There are many things that Red Bull, as the owner, wants to do with this team," Mekies told Xinhua.