AlphaTauri introduced forward of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that it has signed Mekies as its new team principal replacing Franz Tost, who will stand down on the finish of this season.
Nevertheless, no date has been set for Mekies’ arrival on the Faenza-based squad as a result of he stays beneath a long-term contract at Ferrari.
Tost advised that the precise timing was one thing that will must be sorted out between Ferrari and Purple Bull.
“To begin with, it is between Laurent and Fred [Vasseur],” stated Tost in regards to the strategy of sorting Mekies’ arrival.
“Then, in fact, Purple Bull will take a significant function on this. I feel that Oliver Mintzlaff [Red Bull CEO] will then speak to the CEO from Ferrari and discover a answer.”
Whereas Ferrari doesn’t wish to block the transfer totally, crew boss Fred Vasseur’s annoyance on the timing of the AlphaTauri announcement has made him reluctant to bend over backwards to accommodate the change as swiftly as his rival would really like.
Talking on the Azerbaijan GP final weekend, Vasseur stated AlphaTauri’s name to go public with the Mekies transfer was “aggressive”.
Nevertheless, Autosport has realized that, with negotiations set to open up between Purple Bull and Ferrari over the scenario, key to it might be a compromise association that fits each events.
Laurent Mekies, Racing Director, Scuderia Ferrari
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
It’s understood that Ferrari has been on a latest recruitment drive to lure personnel – together with aerodynamicists – from different groups together with a number of from Purple Bull.
However regardless of offers being in place, Ferrari can’t pay money for these people for some time due to necessary gardening depart intervals.
Nevertheless, sources have indicated that Ferrari could also be keen to get the ball rolling on Mekies’ departure to AlphaTauri if Purple Bull agrees to an early launch from the contract of its employees who’re transferring to the Maranello squad.
Whereas Ferrari has not commented on the matter, Vasseur’s shut good friend Toto Wolff has advised that the Frenchman is able to get aggressive in his dealings over the matter.
Talking in regards to the Mekies scenario, Wolff stated: “Fred must put his personal crew in place and take the precise choices.
“You possibly can’t cease a traveller. That was at all times my philosophy, that if any person needs to go and sees one other alternative, let him go and need him all one of the best.
“Fred is an out-and-out racer and is aware of precisely what he needs. I feel he is okay with the scenario, however clearly, the best way it was communicated was a bit abrupt. That is why Fred’s goes to do one of the best for Ferrari. And if meaning taking the elbows out, then that’s good.”