Red Bull’s freshly appointed team principal Laurent Mekies has declared Max Verstappen as “central” to the Milton Keynes-based outfit's long-term vision, vowing to supply the Dutch driver with a consistently winning car as the surest way to secure the four-time world champion’s continued loyalty.
Stepping into the high-pressure role previously held by Christian Horner, Mekies assumes leadership during a turbulent time for the reigning Constructors’ Champions.
While Red Bull still sits near the top of the Formula 1 hierarchy, it has shown signs of vulnerability in 2025. Complicating matters further are persistent rumors linking Verstappen with a shock move away from Red Bull – speculation that Mekies is determined to quash with actions rather than words.
“The truth is Red Bull is hugely committed to Max,” Mekies told F1.com ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. “And the way we can be hugely committed to Max is by giving him the best possible car.
“And giving him the best possible car is what every single person in the company wants more than anything else.”
A Star Driver with Unmatched “Magic”
Verstappen, who has been with Red Bull since 2016 and has helped deliver multiple world titles, is seen by Mekies not only as a driver but as a cornerstone of the team's identity and future prospects.
“So that’s where the effort is made really. And the rest will be a consequence. But of course, Max is central to the project and he’s key to the project and we need his magic at the racetrack,” Mekies said.
“He has been with the team for a very long time and he has huge inputs in helping us driving the next competitive edge that we will need to build.”
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Mekies is unequivocal in his belief that Red Bull has the resources, talent, and mindset to once again supply Verstappen – and teammate Yuki Tsunoda – with a car capable of regularly challenging for victories.
“I think the team has everything to do that,” Mekies continued. “It has the means. It has the spirit. And more importantly, it has the talents. So in short, yeah, I think we have everything to be able to give that to our drivers.”
Eyes on 2026: Ford, Red Bull Powertrains, and a New Era
While keeping Verstappen happy in the short term is a critical objective, Mekies is also acutely aware of the looming 2026 regulation overhaul, which will usher in a new era of engine technology and the highly anticipated collaboration between Red Bull Powertrains and Ford.
“I think Red Bull has been in the sport for so long,” he explained. “They know exactly how the sport is working and they know what you can expect short term, what you can expect medium term, what you can expect long term.
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“We have these unbelievable challenges ahead with sport trains that will mix together with the 2026 regulation challenge.
“So you don’t need to explain these sort of things to the management. They are completely conscious of those dynamics.
“You have the fire at every level of the company in terms of how aggressively and the level of aggressions you want to put in every single level of the company to be able to give that fight for the win, for the championships, a big try.”
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As Red Bull faces internal and external challenges alike, Mekies’ mission is clear: demonstrate commitment to Verstappen not just through assurances, but by delivering what he craves most – a car capable of domination.
Whether that’s enough to fend off interest from rival teams will become clearer in the months ahead.
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