'Mediocre' Red Bull issued worrying analysis over F1 recovery timeline

Ralf Schumacher believes it will take new Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies "two to three" years to improve the situation at the Milton Keynes squad. The former Jordan, Williams and Toyota driver did, however, concede that whilst the six-time constructors' champion is mired in "mediocrity", the Frenchman is already restoring the outfit to its former self. Red Bull fired Christian Horner in July, ending his two-decade reign. He had been the energy drinks-backed operation's only team boss since it joined F1 as a constructor in 2005. However, results had slid considerably over the past 18 months, and his own personal scandal had weakened the team through the subsequent internal instability and infighting. Star driver Max Verstappen had begun entertaining the possibility of leaving, despite being contracted until 2028, and the team is on track for its worst finish in the constructors' standings since 2015. Mekies' promotion ushers in a new era, and Schumacher feels it is already an improvement on what was there before. Although the six-time grand prix winner maintains that there is a tough road ahead for the team, with no immediate results in sight. "He's [Mekies] bringing back the old Red Bull feeling. Approachable, human, open – no more of that power struggle in the background," he told BILD . "But it'll take two to three years until things really get going again. Currently, the team is stuck in mediocrity." Learning a 'thing or two' from Racing Bulls Schumacher went as far as to suggest Red Bull could "learn a thing or two" from Racing Bulls, where Mekies has joined from. The troublesome RB21 has proven difficult for even Verstappen to handle, and first Liam Lawson and now Yuki Tsunoda have woefully underperformed in the team's second seat. It has led to suggestions that the Dutchman would be better off in the VCARB 02, and Schumacher was quick to praise Red Bull's sister team. "The car is stable and can handle all conditions," the 50-year-old stated. "They're doing a great job. "The same goes for the drivers - despite the rebuild. It's a friendly team with good leadership. "Overall, Red Bull can certainly learn a thing or two from them."