New Red Bull boss confident he can keep ‘magical’ Max Verstappen

07:22, 25 Jul

Updated: 09:33, 25 Jul

byTobia Elia

New Red Bull CEO and team principal Laurent Mekies explained why keeping Max Verstappen is crucial to the long-term plans of the Milton Keynes-based team and central to their overall project.

At Red Bull, the news of Christian Horner’s dismissal is still fresh, but it’s already time to turn the page and begin a new chapter.

Tasked with steering the team from Milton Keynes into this new era is Laurent Mekies, who faces the tough challenge of taking over from the Leamington Spa manager—and, above all, of convincing Max Verstappen to stay in 2026 and possibly beyond.

The Frenchman has already had a first taste of what it means to represent one of the most prominent teams on the grid—despite the recent downturn—with the media on Thursday placing significant focus on him and, of course, on the Dutchman.

Verstappen Belgium, Red Bull Contentpool

Max Verstappen in Belgium

Red Bull needs Verstappen's 'magic'

Interviewed by F1.com on the eve of a crucial weekend for Red Bull at Spa, Mekies revealed just how essential Verstappen is to the team’s short- and long-term plans.

"The truth is Red Bull is hugely committed to Max," he stated. "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.''

"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 also added: ''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."

According to Mekies, Red Bull has all the tools needed to provide a winning car once again to the four-time world champion — a fundamental requirement for him: "I think the team has everything to do that.''

"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."

Caught by GPBlog among other media outlets yesterday, Verstappen also addressed the rumors about a possible meeting with Toto Wolff in Sardinia during the two-week break.