Electric Cars

Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 world champion, has finally clinched his first victory at the prestigious Goodwood Revival. Partnering with seasoned GT racer Alex Buncombe, Button steered his Jaguar C-type to triumph in the Freddie March Memorial Trophy, marking a significant milestone after his historic racing debut four years prior.

The one-hour endurance race proved to be a true test of skill and adaptability, with conditions shifting from dry asphalt to a treacherously wet circuit as dusk settled and heavy rain poured down. Spectators, eagerly awaiting Button's success, stayed late to witness the hard-fought win. Buncombe described the conditions as the 'worst he had ever experienced,' showcasing exceptional car control, even momentarily venturing onto the grass at Woodcote corner in search of better grip before deftly maneuvering through traffic to cross the finish line.

The race began with Bill Shepherd momentarily taking the lead in his Ford Thunderbird 'Battlebird' from polesitter Button and Nigel Webb. However, Button quickly regained his position, pulling away from an impressive Theo Hunt in his HWM-Jaguar. Behind them, a fierce contest unfolded between various competitors, including Felix Godard in a Cooper-Climax T39 and Jack Rawles in an Austin-Healey 100S. Despite strong efforts from rivals and the deteriorating weather, Buncombe maintained their lead, enduring the difficult conditions to secure a comprehensive victory. Button is also slated to compete in Sunday's RAC TT Celebration, sharing a Jaguar E-type with Alex's brother, Chris.

This victory at the Goodwood Revival not only celebrates Jenson Button's exceptional driving prowess across different eras of motorsport but also highlights the enduring spirit of competition and the allure of classic racing. It serves as a testament to perseverance and teamwork, reminding us that success, even after a long pursuit, is all the more rewarding when achieved through skill, determination, and a passion for the sport. The event perfectly encapsulates the timeless appeal of automotive heritage, bringing together legendary vehicles and celebrated drivers in a vibrant showcase of sporting excellence.

Laurent Mekies' arrival as Red Bull's Formula 1 team principal has demonstrably invigorated the squad, earning significant praise from motorsport advisor Helmut Marko. This positive transformation has seen the team, previously facing a performance dip, achieve notable success in recent races.

Mekies assumed his role in July, succeeding Christian Horner, who departed after two decades. Under Mekies' guidance, Red Bull has experienced a resurgence, securing podium finishes in the last two Grands Prix, including a victory at Monza, and a sprint race win in Belgium. Marko highlighted Mekies' profound impact, particularly on the technical front, drawing on his extensive background as a race engineer. He noted a newfound openness within the technical department and a greater willingness to consider driver input, moving beyond sole reliance on simulations. This shift was evident at the Italian GP, where Max Verstappen's preference for a specific set-up, contrary to some technical suggestions, ultimately led to his dominant win. This evolving leadership approach, prioritizing both technical expertise and driver feedback, has been pivotal in the team's renewed competitive edge.

Mekies' appointment signals a growing trend within Formula 1, where teams are increasingly opting for leadership with strong engineering backgrounds, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 regulation changes. This move away from purely business-oriented team principals is also reflected in other teams, such as Haas, McLaren, and Racing Bulls, all of whom have recently appointed former engineers to top managerial positions. Marko expressed optimism for the remainder of the 2025 season, expecting Red Bull to maintain its improved performance and secure more victories, despite the championship outcome being largely decided. He particularly eyes a win at Singapore, a circuit where Verstappen has yet to triumph.

The evolution of leadership in Formula 1 underscores the critical balance between technical prowess and human insight. Laurent Mekies' successful tenure at Red Bull exemplifies how fostering a collaborative environment, where technical data and driver intuition coalesce, can lead to remarkable achievements. This adaptive and forward-thinking approach, prioritizing innovation and responsiveness, not only drives sporting success but also sets an inspiring precedent for leadership in highly competitive fields, demonstrating that valuing diverse perspectives and integrating practical feedback can lead to significant positive outcomes.