Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has responded to Max Verstappen’s confirmation that he will remain with the team through 2026, calling it a positive reassurance for the entire organization. Although Verstappen is already contracted until the end of 2028, recent speculation linked him to Mercedes, especially after George Russell hinted that talks had occurred between Mercedes and the reigning world champion. Verstappen, who had avoided directly addressing the rumours during previous events, firmly ended the speculation during the Hungarian Grand Prix media day by clearly stating his commitment to Red Bull.
Mekies, who recently stepped into the team principal role following Christian Horner’s abrupt departure, expressed little surprise at Verstappen’s public statement. He emphasized that within the team, there had never been any real doubt about Verstappen’s intentions. According to Mekies, Verstappen had repeatedly voiced his commitment internally, and the recent public confirmation simply amplified that stance. Mekies noted that Verstappen’s presence and loyalty remain foundational to Red Bull’s ongoing plans and performance goals.
Despite Verstappen’s declaration, Red Bull has encountered challenges on track, particularly during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. The Dutch driver described the initial sessions as “very tough,” citing issues with grip rather than car balance. Mekies highlighted Verstappen’s technical insight and experience as crucial in navigating such setbacks, pointing out how his familiarity with the car’s ideal conditions allows the team to make better decisions in times of difficulty. His role in overcoming performance issues has been vital to Red Bull’s progress.
While Verstappen’s future is now secure, Red Bull’s second driver situation remains fluid. Yuki Tsunoda, who was promoted to the senior team earlier this season, currently holds the second seat. However, his campaign has been inconsistent. When asked about Red Bull’s plans for 2026, Mekies stressed that the team’s immediate priority is to support Tsunoda in maximizing his performance. The team remains focused on extracting his potential and finding ways to elevate his form across race weekends
Mekies remained optimistic about Tsunoda’s ability to match past strong performances, citing encouraging signs during the Spa weekend. Nevertheless, he admitted that the Hungarian GP presented new challenges that made it harder to evaluate the driver’s form. Red Bull, for now, is committed to nurturing Tsunoda’s progress rather than rushing decisions about the second seat. Mekies’ comments suggest a wait-and-see approach as the team continues to assess its lineup heading into the next phase of development and competition.
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