Mekies Prioritizes Improving Red Bull to Retain Verstappen

Mekies Prioritizes Red Bull’s Competitiveness to Retain Verstappen

The new Red Bull boss, Laurent Mekies, has stated that his main priority is to improve the performance of the single-seater to silence speculation about Max Verstappen’s future. The decline in Red Bull’s performance in recent months has generated frustration in the four-time world champion. Recent results have fueled rumors about Verstappen’s possible departure starting next year, due to clauses in his contract.

Although an exit for 2026 seems unlikely, Verstappen made it clear that a competitive car will be key to his stay.

Mekies, who replaced Christian Horner as team principal earlier this month, emphasized that improving the car is his main focus.

In terms of priority, I’m sure Max wants a fast car and, if we give him a fast car, I’m sure that will override all other considerations. So, really the focus is, as we said before, trying to get to know the team as quickly as possible to see how we can support, how we can build the next step of competitiveness to get a fast car and, therefore, facilitate Max’s decision.

Laurent Mekies

Max Verstappen and his new team boss, Laurent Mekies, at the Belgian Grand Prix.Horner’s departure surprised the Formula 1 paddock, ending the longest tenure of a team principal in the history of the sport. Mekies admitted that he was also surprised. Mekies revealed that he received a call from Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko, who offered him the position. After reflecting, he accepted the offer. Mekies also mentioned that Horner has provided him with constant support since then.

It’s been nothing but support, even in the extremely difficult context for him. He was the first to send a text message, he was the first to call, I think again this morning or yesterday, we texted again.

Laurent Mekies

Mekies added that no one will be able to replace Horner in the same way, and that he will focus on leveraging the team’s strengths. Red Bull will embark on an unprecedented project next season, when Formula 1 introduces significant changes to aerodynamic and engine regulations. Red Bull will end its partnership with Honda, with whom they have won titles, and will build their own engines at their factory in the United Kingdom, in Milton Keynes.